Snowys Blog

Check out the whole Circuit range here.

I’m going out on a limb here, as these bags are relatively new at the time of writing – but myself and the whole Snowys crew are all in agreement that the quality and features offered by the Sea to Summit Circuit Sleeping Bags make it the best value all-round sleeping bag for any camping and hiking adventure in our range.

When putting this bag together, Sea to Summit took the best elements from across their performance sleeping bag range – many of which feature throughout this article – and bundled them into the Circuit. The result is a smart balance of materials and construction that keeps the price at an entry-level point for down sleeping bags, without cutting corners where it counts.

You’re getting high-quality 650+ loft duck down, recycled fabrics, full-length double zippers, a well-balanced foot box, and a technical but roomy cut. It’s a bag you can genuinely take from the hiking trail to the rooftop tent – and one that earns its place as the do-it-all option in your kit.

Best for: Anyone seeking a sleeping bag to do it all

Best Hiking Sleeping Bag

Sea to Summit Ascent Down Sleeping Bag -1C|30F - Regular

$479.90

Out of Stock

Check out the whole Ascent range here.

The Ascent is a lightweight but warm sleeping solution packed with features, blending adaptability and versatility for true comfort on every outdoor adventure.

Like the Journey, but unlike the women-specific models, the Ascent sports a tapered rectangular shape; roomier than a mummy fit, without sacrificing warmth. Adjust depending on the conditions thanks to the Free Flow triple zips, including a half zip to free up your arms, plus a full-length and separate foot zip for creating a quilt. Filled with RDS-certified 750+ loft down, it goes big on insulation while minimising cold spots thanks to vertical baffles over the chest and a side block baffle to maintain a 60:40-fill ratio. Oversized draft tubes trap body heat, while the lightweight and breathable nylon shell and lining reduce weight on those heavy endeavours.

Ranging from 2 to -11 degrees Celsius in temperature rating, and available as a regular or long fit, the Ascent Sleeping Bags by Sea to Summit are for the minimalist adventurers and all-out explorers.

Best for: Hiking, backpacking and trekking

Best Ultralight Hiking Sleeping Bag

Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag -1C|30F - Regular

$519.90

Out of Stock

Check out the whole Spark range here.

Technical, super compact, and ultra-lightweight – the Spark series are ideal for both warm and cool weather, depending on the model. With temperature ratings ranging from 14 to -18 degrees Celsius, and offered in both a regular and long fit – go from bags that double as a liner to technical hoods and front collar drafts that trap the heat for the minimalists after maximum warmth.

Sporting mummy fits for optimal insulation, plus a Nylon shell and lining for lightweight breathability, the Spark also boasts an RDS-certified 850+ FILL Power goose down treated with water repellant to mediate moisture and thus maintain performance. Plus, sewn-through quilted construction with baffles running vertically and horizontally minimise cold spots for a consistently comfortably sleeping experience.

Also available in the Spark Pro version which features 900+ loft fill and a FreeFlow zipper system to offer the absolute best in comfort and weight savings.

Best for: Ultralight hikers seeking the best balance of weight and comfort

Best Affordable Hiking Sleeping Bag

Roman Palm Sleeping Bag -5C

$139.99

Out of Stock

Also available in -10 degrees.

Affordable, eco-friendly warmth for those frosty sub-zero nights, the Palm -5C Sleeping Bag by Roman delivers serious insulation without the serious price tag.

A semi-tapered shape increases thermal efficiency with extra fill packed around the foot area for added warmth where you need it most. The full twin zipper system opens the bag right out for ventilation or easy access, with double anti-snag pullers for smooth operation every time. A hidden inner pocket keeps valuables close, while the included compression bag makes packing down quick and painless. Built from 100% recycled nylon and an 80% recycled fill — the equivalent of 48 plastic bottles diverted from landfill — it punches well above its price point on both warmth and sustainability.

The Roman Palm Series Sleeping Bags have long been known as excellent value entry level picks for campers and hikers chasing cold-weather comfort without breaking the bank.

Best for: Beginner hikers wanting to try things out before investing in a more technical bag

Best Synthetic Hiking Sleeping Bag

Sea to Summit Hamelin Synthetic Sleeping Bag -1C|30F - Regular

$229.90

In Stock

See the full Sea To Summit Hamelin range here.

The Hamelin Synthetic Sleeping Bag by Sea to Summit is your eco-friendly ticket to backcountry bliss, whether you’re conquering cold nights or mild evenings! Built for versatility with strategic layers of recycled Revive Loft insulation, this bag delivers maximum warmth where you need it most.

The weight-efficient Contour shape accommodates side-sleepers and restless wanderers, while the Free-Flow zip system features full-length YKK #5 zippers with double sliders for customisable ventilation. Available in a women’s specific version with female-focused design for natural sleeping positions, both bags boast technical hoods and draft collars to keep the chill at bay while supporting Sea to Summit’s 1% for the Planet commitment.

Perfect for adventures in damp environments, or anyone seeking an alternative to down filled sleeping bags, the Hamelin offers an outstanding balance of weight, bulk, and comfort, in a sleeping bag suitable for all outdoor adventures.

Best for: Adventures in damp and humid environments, or anyone looking for a high performance alternative to down filled sleeping bags

Best Sleeping Bag For Camping

Darche Cold Mountain 1100 Sleeping Bag -12°

$169.00

In Stock

See the full Darche Cold Mountain range here.

Complete your campsite in the clouds with the Darche Cold Mountain 1100 Sleeping Bag – designed for the camper, hunter, and fisherman after space and a dreamy night’s sleep in any climate.

Boasting an outer shell of water-resistant polyester to minimise bulk, its dual zips allow for easy access while a double layer of fibre filling guarantees all-night warmth. With a silk-touch inner lining, 3D collar, and wind baffle for protection from briskier conditions – keep any valuables, tools, or torches on hand owing to convenient storage pockets too.

Darche rate this bag to -12 degrees, and available in three widths, the Darche Cold Mountain Sleeping Bags are outstanding value for money. Darche also offer the Cold Mountain in a canvas shell, for added durability.

Best for: Anyone wanting a general use sleeping bag at a reasonable price for camping in mild to cold climates

Best Double Sleeping Bag

Coleman Pilbara C-7 Double Sleeping Bag

$249.99

Out of Stock

Also available in single versions, See the full Coleman Pilbara range here.

Cosy, roomy, and built for shared sub-zero nights, the Coleman Pilbara C-7 Double Sleeping Bag is made for camping couples who refuse to compromise on warmth or comfort.

With a -7°C comfort rating and extra-wide 225 x 152cm dimensions, there’s plenty of room to snuggle in without anyone hogging the warmth. Coletherm® hollow polyester insulation delivers reliable heat even in damp conditions, while Thermolock draft tubes stop warmth escaping through the zippers. The 100% cotton shell feels soft and naturally breathable, and a removable flannel layer lets you dial the cosiness up or down with the seasons. Comfort Cuff softness wraps around your faces like a pillow, CozyFoot fleece keeps toes toasty, and the Roll Control system with 4-way compression sack makes morning pack-up quick work — even with chilly fingers.

Warm, generously sized, and packed with thoughtful touches, the Coleman Pilbara C-7 is the double sleeping bag for couples who want their winter camping nights spent close, comfortable, and properly cosied up.

Best for: Couples seeking a versatile double sleeping bag that can be adapted to multiple climates

Best Cold Weather Camping Sleeping Bag

23Zero Arctic Black 1100 Sleeping Bag -15°

$329.95

Out of Stock

See the full size and temperature offerings from 23Zero here.

The Arctic Black Sleeping Bags by 23Zero are built tough for brutal outback winters across harsh Aussie environments! Both feature a 235gsm water-resistant cotton canvas shell and soft cotton flannel lining with impressive -15°C comfort ratings. Hollow fibre fill delivers superior warmth and insulation, while spiral zippers, wind baffles, and 3D collars enhance temperature control. Complete with internal valuables pockets, flannel pillows, and built-in compression straps for compact packing – these bags are the ultimate cold-weather camping solutions.

For adventurers not camping in the icy depths of winter, 23Zero also offer the Alaska Black range which is of similar construction with less fill giving it a -10 degree comfort rating.

Best for: 4WD touring & hunting in icy environments

Best Sleeping Bag for Kids

OZtrail Kingsford Junior Hooded Sleeping Bag -3°

$47.99

Out of Stock

A scaled-down sleeping bag built for the smaller adventurers in the family, the OZtrail Kingsford Junior -3° packs grown-up features into a kid-sized fit — keeping the little ones snug on cooler camping nights.

Rated to -3°C and sized to 170 x 70cm to suit campers up to 165cm tall, it’s a proper cold-weather option for kids joining in on winter trips. Soft-touch brushed polyester keeps the noise down (handy for restless sleepers), while synthetic fill traps warm air and a roll-over chest cuff stops draughts sneaking in. A contoured hood keeps small heads warm, and an anti-snag zipper with sewn-in draft tube means no fiddly bedtime battles. The included 4-way compression sack makes pack-up easy enough for the kids to handle themselves.

Warm, easy-care, and built for the realities of family camping, the OZtrail Kingsford Junior -3° is a smart pick for getting the kids comfortable in the cold without overspending.

See the full OZtrail Kingsford range here, and our full range of kids sleeping bags here.

Best for: Keeping kids warm and cosy on camping trips

Best Quilt For Camping

Coleman Outdoor Blanket Double

$79.90

In Stock

See our full range of quilts and blankets for camping here.

From campfire snuggles to chilly mornings inside the swag, the Coleman Outdoor Blanket Double is the versatile camp companion that keeps you and your mate cosy from dusk till dawn.

If you’re sleeping on a well-insulated mat, you don’t need the bottom layer of a sleeping bag working overtime – a quality blanket like this one does the job from the top down, cutting bulk without cutting warmth. That’s a win for rooftop tent owners, where less bedding means an easier close at pack-up, and just as handy for swag campers chasing a tighter, easier roll come morning. You even can grab it on the way out to the campfire for warmth around the flames, or drape it over the kids on the camp chairs to keep them warm wherever they are in the campsite.

Whether it’s rolled into your swag, tucked into the rooftop tent, or wrapped around shoulders by the fire, the Coleman Outdoor Blanket Double has roasty-toasty camping covered for two.

Best for: Use in rooftop tents or swags to reduce bulk when used on top of a well insulated mattress

Sleeping Bag FAQ’s

Are down filled bags the best?

As a general rule, down offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio, making it the top pick for ultralight gear seekers. Down can also be rejuvenated and re-lofted, giving it a longer lifespan than synthetic fill. However, if down gets wet it can lose its insulation properties entirely, and takes longer to dry than synthetic – making it less suitable for damp climates and water-based adventures. For a detailed rundown see Comparing Down & Synthetic Sleeping Bags >>

Should I use a quilt or a sleeping bag?

If you want to reduce bulk, a quilt or blanket is handy — provided you’re sleeping on a well-insulated mat. In that setup, the mat handles insulation from underneath while the quilt does the work on top, cutting down the overall bulk of your bedding. Very handy for making rooftop tent pack-up easier, or for swag campers chasing a tighter roll come morning.

How do I wash my sleeping Bag?

Most sleeping bags can go in a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle, though you may need to head to the laundromat to find one big enough. Down bags require a little more care — check out our guide on how to wash a down sleeping bag for full instructions.

How do I fold my sleeping bag?

Quickest answer: don’t. If you’re not fussed about crinkle lines when you unpack it, the easiest way to get it back in the stuff sack is to, well… stuff it in. For more on packing your sleeping bag, see How To Pack Your Sleeping Bag here >>.

What is a sleeping bag liner and do I need one?

A sleeping bag liner is a fabric sack — usually cotton, silk, or synthetic blends — that sits inside your sleeping bag to create a layer between you and the lining. Liners add a bit of warmth (some more than others), but the bigger benefit is hygiene: it’s far easier to regularly wash a liner than the bag itself, which keeps things fresh and extends the life of your sleeping bag.

There’s a bag that best suits every outdoor adventure. Image: OZtrail

The post Best Sleeping Bags in 2026 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The Sea to Summit Sleep Systems

Ben Collaton — Sat, 16 May 2026 22:21:00 +0000

Beyond the walls of the family home, we’re entitled to a sleep setup that allows us to bivvy down for a blissful outback slumber.

So, how do we emulate the comfort we feel at home while out hiking or camping… without being overcome with bulky, heavy equipment? At Sea to Summit, this has become less of a challenge with every lofty layer carefully incorporated into their impressive sleep systems.

In this blog, we unpack the abundance of sleeping bag, liner, mattress, and pillow combinations for the most blissful outback slumbers – including some updated models fresh to the Snowys floor!

Whether we’re home or camping in the great outdoors, we all need a good night’s sleep. Image: Sea to Summit

Sea to Summit’s Sleeping Mat Range

The sleeping mat range is designed to suit a broad range of uses and situations. The Comfort Plus Insulated Rectangular sleeping mats have been known among customers to serve well on outdoor and overseas trips, time and time again. Sea to Summit aren’t the sort of company to rest on their laurels; in late 2014, they released a range of lightweight sleeping mats aimed at the hiking, bike touring, and mountaineering community.

The level of comfort from sleeping on air-sprung cells has to be experienced to be believed. Not only do they allow good sleep on otherwise uncomfortable beds, but also on the ground. These mats are innovative and certainly meet Sea to Summit’s criteria, winning many awards and so attesting to their standing worldwide!

Inflation

The Airstream Pump Sack is a brilliant piece of equipment for pumping up the mats. With gentle puffs across the top of the bag, it is filled with air which is then expelled into the mattress. It’s quick and easy to use, and can double as a dry bag for gear too. Weighing next to nothing, it packs into a tiny ball when not in use.

Self-inflating mats, on the other hand, require no pump – great for the lightweight adventurers attempting to pare back the bulk. Their internal PU foam and multi-functional valves allow for easy inflation and deflation, as found with the Comfort Plus SI Sleeping Mat.

Frequently Asked Questions on Sleeping Mats

These mats are quite unlike a lot of others on the market, raising questions concerning noise and durability based on their delicate and lightweight appearance. Not for long, though – once taken out into the field, they quickly become synonymous with comfort!

Sea to Summit are masters when it comes to quality. Every mat – yes, every mat – is inflated to 1.5 psi and checked overnight for loss of pressure and leaky welds. This way, users know when they take their mat out of their backpack (30km from the car) that it will perform as intended. You can see the entire range here.

Since Snowys began to stock these mats in 2015, we have fielded stacks of questions from weight-conscious Australian hikers and bikers…

Sea to Summit mats quickly become synonymous with comfort! Image: Sea to Summit

Are they noisy?

Science can answer this one.

All sleeping mats on display (including those by other brands) were put to a rigorous test of smooshing, massaging, rolling, and rubbing between hands. After measuring the noise emissions with a specialist piece of scientific equipment – a pair of ears – the verdict is that they are a little noisy, but not excessively so.

What’s the warmest Sea to Summit mat that Snowys stocks?

The warmest in the range is the Comfort Deluxe Self Inflating Sleeping Mat. It sports an R-Value of 6.5, owing to internal PU foam that’s been engineered with Delta Core Technology and diagonal supporting walls for improved insulation from directly below.

Are they easily punctured?

Sea to Summit sleeping mats are no more susceptible to puncture than any other similar mat. In fact, because of the ‘honeycomb’ cell design, surface contact with the ground is less so than with ‘flat’ self-inflating mats. The less material there is touching the ground, the less risk there is of a puncture.

As the Comfort Plus has two independent chambers, a puncture on one side means redundancy in the other. This also allows for greater flexibility over the firmness of your mat.

If you do get a puncture, Sea to Summit supply a puncture repair kit containing 3M® adhesive patches.

Is the Comfort Light Insulted more comfortable than the Comfort Light?

Only really in the sense of warmth. The Comfort Light Insulated is rated at R 3.7 whereas the Comfort Light comes in at R 3.1. So the Insulated will keep you warmer and more comfortable in the cold.

Both feature the same cell structure so there is no difference between the two in terms of padding. They both feature a single layer of cells for your head and legs and a double layer through the torso region. This reduces weight.

Anecdotally, some do feel the ground more when sitting up in the Comfort Light – but on their back, side, or even elbow, there was little difference.

Sea to Summit designed their range to provide the most comfort in the smallest and lightest package possible. Image: Sea to Summit

What’s so good about the Sea to Summit range?

Comfort. Sea to Summit designed their range to provide the most comfort in the smallest and lightest package possible. There are lighter, smaller, and warmer mats on the market – but few compare in terms of comfort.

How do I inflate a Sea to Summit mat?

Two ways.

You can rely simply on your breath. All Sea to Summit mats have an anti-bacterial treatment in them, so there are no issues with this. It’ll take about 20 breaths to completely inflate the Ultralight sleeping mat. Deflation happens almost instantly via a rapid air dump port.

Alternatively, you can use an Air Stream pump sack to make lighter work of inflation. A couple of light breaths in either, and your mat is inflated in seconds. Both double as stuff sacks for the mats, so they won’t take up any extra space.

I’m hiking The Overland Track next spring. Which mat is best?

The Overland Track is pretty unpredictable, weather wise. Spring can mean cold or warm weather, or a combination of both.

That said, it’s unlikely you’ll be sleeping directly on the ground unless you have to camp out due to injury or bad weather. You’ll either be sleeping on a wooden bunk in a hut, or in your tent on a wooden tent platform adjacent to a hut. Insulation against the cold ground will be less of a problem than if you were sleeping directly on it in your tent.

The most versatile mat in the range – that still boasts a decent R-value, balanced with lightweight and comfort – is likely the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated. The regular length weighs in at 480 grams, is rated R 3.3.

Sea to Summit Ultralight Pillows

The Aeros Ultralight makes a comfortable pillow to back up the mat, and it’s only the size of a matchbox when packed into its storage pouch!

This little beauty has the same valves as the sleeping mats, so can be inflated with the Air Stream or a few quick, direct breaths.

The Aeros Ultralight makes a comfortable pillow to back up the mat. Image: Sea to Summit

A pillow while camping can be deemed an unnecessary luxury. From down-filled to synthetic-filled, some need to be compressed to fit into a rucksack. Some find that they’re tricky to pack down small enough for their needs, and offer no more comfort than a rolled-up down jacket.

That said, the Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultralight is considered a real winner among hikers. Taking up virtually no space in a pack (at 5.5 x 7cm in diameter), and weighing next-to-nothing (just 60g) – how much comfort could it really bring once inflated?

How you use the pillow is, of course, a personal preference. For example, place it on the headrest area of your hiking mattress without further padding or covering it, or try wrapping it up in a windcheater.

Inflation and Deflation

After only three breaths, the pillow is inflated to be approximately 36 x 26 x 12cm, and more than adequate for a good night’s sleep. Made from a durable, comfortable and non-slip material, the pillow is capable of taking a fair bit of weight while inflated.

Inflating this takes all of 5 seconds, featuring a one-way inflation valve (this means it won’t start to deflate between breaths). To deflate, simply pull the deflation plug out from the same handy valve; it is ready to fold and roll up immediately into its own drawstring nylon bag.

Sea to Summit have leveraged on their in-depth knowledge and understanding of the sleeping bag market. Image: Sea to Summit

Sea to Summit Sleeping Bags

Over the years, Sea to Summit have re-worked their entire range of sleeping bags, leveraging on their in-depth knowledge and understanding of the sleeping bag market to deliver a range defined by technical performance, comfort and versatility.

Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag Technologies:

Free Flow zip design incorporates both full and half-length zips in the same bag for temperature adaptability, as well as zip plows and slides to prevent fabric snatching.
Zip-coupling system, where all bags identified with this feature are produced with the same 165cm #5 YKK zipper. This allows any left zippered unisex bag to be joined with any right zippered women’s bag.
Compatibility with separately available quilts.
Fabrics for technical performance.
Superior ULTRA-DRY down that almost eliminates the negative effects moisture has on down.
A ‘Down Batch Test Report” International Down Feather Laboratory (IDFL): the world’s largest and most respected down laboratory enclosed with every bag.
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified to ensure humane sourcing of down.
WaveLoft construction in the synthetic bags that loops thick layers of proprietary THERMOLITE® insulation together for extra loft and warmth.
Warmer women’s specific engineering with a modified shape, extra down, and thicker footbox insulation.
Temperature tested to the EN13537 European standard for sleeping bags (excludes Ember quilts).

With over 42 sleeping bag variations across 16 different models, there is truly a Sea to Summit sleeping bag to suit every user on any adventure. Based on our first impressions, we’ve summarised the range below and you can find all the juicy specifications by following the links through to our product pages.

What’s New in 2024?

Despite the roaring success of their sleeping bag range, Sea To Summit’s continual drive for perfection has lead them to make some refinements to some models in their down range in 2024. Their classic range is still available for purchase – or, if you wish, you can splurge a little more to take advantage of the premium offerings in their new-season bags.

The refinements Sea To Summit made were most notably:

Simplified product names
Standardised temperature ratings
Evolved shapes and fit
#5 YKK zipper, with anti-snag slider now across the new season range
Sustainable fabric choices wherever possible
Updated storage sacks and compression bags

There is truly a Sea to Summit sleeping bag to suit every user on any adventure. Image: Sea to Summit

The Spark

The Spark bags are lightweight and technical all-rounders for both men and women. There’s a version to suit every weight conscious explorer on warm weather adventures, right through to cold climate expeditions. They feature 850+ ULTRA-DRY Goose Down and ultra-light fabrics and trimmings. Vertical chest baffles combined with a contoured mummy shape offer optimal lightweight thermal efficiency too.

Technical features – 850+ Loft ULTRA-DRY Goose Down. Vertical and horizontal chest baffles (latter depending on the model). Ultra-light 7D and 10D fabrics. Mummy shape for efficient insulation. Combination box and sewn through baffle construction. Cannot be joined with another bag, but compatible with separately available quilts.

Classic models – Ascent AcI | Ascent AcII | Ascent AcIII

Premium new-season models – Ascent -1C | Ascent -9C

Video – Ascent review here

The Altitude

The Altitude sleeping bag is the women’s version of the Ascent, and is a great all-rounder. It has all the same features, only with a female-specific shape that’s wider at the hip and narrower at the shoulder. It’s also loaded with more down than the Ascent, featuring THERMOLITE® panels under the foot area for increased warmth.

Technical features – 750+ Loft ULTRA-DRY Down. Relaxed women’s specific tapered rectangular shape. Vertical chest baffles. 20D fabric. Panelled footbox. THERMOLITE® panel underfoot. 3D Hood. Free Flow zipper design. Can be joined with other bags.

Ideal for – Women on car-based adventures or extended treks in warm to cold climates.

Shop here:

Classic models – Altitude AtI | Altitude AtII

Premium new-season models – Check out the Ascent Women’s range for the premium updated models of the Altitude series: Ascent Women’s -1C | Ascent Women’s -9C

Video – Altitude review here

The Trek has a tapered rectangular design, while the Journey is the Trek bag with a women’s specific design. Image: Sea to Summit

The Trek

The Trek has been a staple part of the Sea to Summit sleeping bag range since the very beginning, where the latest version has seen a change to both vertical chest and horizontal baffles for increased efficiency. The Trek has both a tapered and semi-rectangular design that offers more room than traditional mummy bags, and comes at a very affordable price for such a high-quality bag.

Technical features – 650+ Loft ULTRA-DRY Down. Relaxed, tapered rectangular and semi-rectangular shapes. Vertical and horizontal chest baffles (latter depending on the model). Durable 20D and 30D fabrics. 3D Hood. Can be joined with other bags.

Ideal for – General camping, hiking and travel.

Shop here:

Classic models – Trek Tk1 | Trek Tk2 | Trek Tk3

Premium new-season models – Trek -1C | Trek -9C | Trek -18C | Trek Women’s -1C | Trek Women’s -9C

Video – Trek review here

The Journey

The Journey is the Sea to Summit Trek bag, only with a women’s specific design. Along with all the same features that make the Trek a popular and affordable bag, the Journey has a shape that is wider at the hip and narrower at the shoulder. It’s also packed with a little more down and features a THERMOLITE® panel under the foot section for increased warmth.

Technical features – 650+ Loft ULTRA-DRY Down. Relaxed women’s specific tapered rectangular shape. Vertical chest baffles. Durable 20D and 30D fabrics. THERMOLITE® panel underfoot. 3D Hood. Can be joined with other bags.

Ideal for – Women, general camping, hiking and travel.

Shop here:

Classic models – Journey JoI | Journey JoII

Premium new-season models – Check out the Trek Women’s range for the premium updated models of the Journey series: Trek Women’s -1C | Trek Women’s -9C

Video – Journey review here

The Traveller

The Traveller is designed for…well, travel! It’s a featherweight sleeping bag with a minuscule pack size and a hoodless design that can be opened up as a quilt making it perfect for hostels or to throw over the top of another bag for added warmth.

Technical features – 750+ Loft ULTRA-DRY Down. Tapered hoodless shape. Ultra-light 15D fabric. Sewn-through construction on TrI. Horizontal baffles on Tr2. Can be joined with other Traveller bags.

Ideal for – Travel

Shop here:

Classic models – Traveller TrI | Traveller TrII

Premium new-season models – Traveller 7C

The Journey bag is packed with a little more down for increased warmth. Image: Sea to Summit

The Treeline

The Treeline is an entry level three-season down bag with a relaxed mummy shape and a single side zipper. It’s filled with a lesser lofting down and does away with the ULTRA-DRY feature to keep the costs down. Made with a 50D nylon shell, the Treeline maintains a quality lightweight build at an affordable price.

Technical features – 600+ Loft Down. Relaxed mummy shape. 50D fabric. Can be joined with other bags.

Shop here – Treeline Tl1

The Trailhead

Basic and affordable quality. The Trailhead synthetic bag from Sea to Summit offers space and comfort for general camping. It features a durable water repellent shell fabric and efficient WaveLoft construction as well as a single full-length zipper that enables the bag to be zipped opened as a quilt.

Technical features – WaveLoft synthetic construction. Tapered rectangular shape. 30D DWR shell fabric. 20D Lining. Single full-length zipper. Cannot be joined with other bags.

Ideal for – General warm to cool weather camping.

Shop here – Trailhead ThII | Trailhead ThIII

The Quest

An affordable all-rounder for general camping and weekend warriors, the Quest is the women’s specific version of the Trailhead. It features a shape that is wider at the hips, narrower at the shoulders and has a dose of extra insulation in the footbox. It has a single full-length zipper and maintains the quality build you can expect in all Sea to Summit sleeping bags.

Technical features – WaveLoft synthetic construction. Women’s specific tapered rectangular shape. 30D DWR shell fabric. 20D Lining. Single full-length zipper. Thicker footbox insulation. Cannot be joined with other bags.

Ideal for – General camping for women in warm to cool weather.

Shop here – Quest QuI | Quest QuII

Video – Quest review here

The Trailhead bag offers space and comfort, while the women’s-specific Quest features a dose of extra insulation in the footbox. Image: Sea to Summit

The Basecamp Down -9C

An all-rounder for general camping and all-out explorers, the Basecamp features a relaxed semi-rectangular fit with enough room to fit a home-size pillow in the hood – which is removeable, and doubles as a blanket! Sporting Sea to Summit’s Free Flow Zip system too, it has full-length #5 primary and secondary zippers and boasts compatibility with both Sea to Summit quilts and women’s bags.

Technical features – RDS-certified 650+ FILL Power duck down. Relaxed semi-rectangular shape. 20D Polyester shell and lining. ULTRA-DRY down water-repellent treatment. Primary and secondary full-length zippers. Oversized hood with soft-touch adjustments. Compatible with Sea to Summit quilts and women’s bags.

Ideal for – General camping in cool weather.

Shop here – Basecamp -9C

The Alpine Down -29

Offering lightweight durability on the heavier endeavours, the Alpine -29C Down Sleeping Bag is for the fast and light braving the frosty climates. It features an expedition Mummy fit for thermal efficiency – wider at the hips, narrower at the shoulders – with a technical hood and footbox. Plus, benefit from a full-length primary zipper and 1/2-length secondary zipper for temperature regulation.

Technical features – RDS-certified 850+ FILL Power goose down. Expedition mummy fit. 20D Nylon shell and lining with PFC-free DWR for water resistance. PFC-free ULTRA-DRY down water-repellent treatment for better thermal performance. Free Flow Zip system with full-length primary and 1/2-length secondary zippers offer multiple sleeping bag configurations. Technical hood and footbox.

Ideal for – Expedition, trekking, and alpine camping

Shop here – Alpine -29C

Beyond the walls of the family home, we’re entitled to a sufficient sleep setup. Image: Sea to Summit

Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag Liners

Finally, the Sea to Summit sleeping system can be topped off with a sleeping bag liner. This is an invaluable addition to sleeping comfort – used by itself in warm conditions and exceptional in cold conditions, extending the warmth of a lightweight down bag and keeping the state of your sleeping bag cleaner too. Even fresher to the Snowys shelves is the new sleeping bag liner range, including the Blend, Comfort Blend, Breeze, and Reactor models.

Ben and Lauren have also discussed sleep system ratings with Dean Woodall from Sea to Summit on the Snowys Camping Show podcast. Tune in here:

Which Sleep System is Right For Me?

Camping

If you’re after a mat that you can chuck into the car for that weekend away, there are both air-filled and self-inflating options for general car camping.

You can have the best camping mat in the world, but if you pair it with a dodgy sleeping bag (or vice-versa), you’re still likely to feel unsatisfied. Here are Snowys’ top picks for the ideal Sea to Summit ‘sleep system’, covering compact gear to see you through camping trips, the odd hiking adventure, and something specifically for camping and general comfort.

Mats

Our top STS mats for car camping:

Comfort Light SI Sleeping Mat – a good choice for campers who do the occasional overnight hike as well. Tapered, 5cm thick, self-inflating, and available in small, regular, and large.

Camp Plus SI Sleeping Mat – for campers wanting a well-insulated mat with a durable surface fabric. Available in regular and large, both tapered and rectangle, 7.5cm thick, and self-inflating.

Comfort Plus SI Sleeping Mat – for a bit more luxury, this choice is 8cm thick, self-inflating, and insulated. It’s available in regular and large, both Tapered and Rectangle, as well as Double and the slightly different air-sprung model that Ben mentions.

Sleep Systems

Below is a car camping/overnight hiking hybrid system for a compact and lightweight option that crosses between the two activities.

Aeros Premium Pillow – available in Regular, Large, and Deluxe.

Trek Sleeping Bag and women’s specific Journey Sleeping Bag.

Comfort Light SI Sleeping Mat – includes air-sprung, women’s specific models.

The comfortable, easy-care pick for general car camping:

Foamcore Pillow – available in Regular, Large, and Deluxe.

Quest Qu Women’s Sleeping Bag – tapered rectangle, synthetic WaveLoft fill, and available with a comfort rating of 3°C and -1°C, in both regular and long sizes. The Trailhead unisex version is available in 5°C and -1°C, plus a bunch of size variations.

Camp Plus SI Sleeping Mat.

Our top picks for the ideal ‘sleep system’ cover compact gear to see you through camping trips, the odd hiking adventure, and something specifically for camping and general comfort. Image: Sea to Summit

Hiking

Alrighty hikers, let’s get down to business! This is where gram-counting and pack size are important, but so are comfort and insulation – especially for those cold nights. The type of hiker you are will determine which areas you need to prioritise.

If you’re pretty extreme with your adventures, then you’re going to want high-end gear from which you can demand the most. If you’re not quite so hardcore and want something more affordable without sacrificing that STS quality, then here are our sleep system picks for both kinds of trailblazers.

Mats

Air sprung cell or self-inflating, insulated or no insulation, unisex or women’s specific? Here’s our pick of Sea to Summit mats for hikers.

Ultralight Insulated – available in our best-selling air-sprung, as well as a self-inflating version. These are lightweight, slightly tapered, and available in a range of sizes.

The Comfort Light range – these offer a bit of extra thickness and the self-inflating option provides a good weight, pack size, and comfort ratio. Here’s the air-sprung version and also, the women’s specific in both self-inflating and air-sprung cell.

Ether Light mats – for the very best balance in weight, size, and comfort. These are in a range of sizes and shapes, but all are air-sprung and 10cm thick.

Sleep Systems

For the hiker wanting ultralight and compact gear, with maximum comfort.

Aeros Premium Pillow Regular – packs down to an incredibly small size, yet still offers comfort and support.

Spark Sleeping Bag – down fill, mummy-shaped, and available in both regular and long for comfort levels of 14°C, 9°C, 7C, 4°C, -1C, -2°C, -8°C, -9C, and -18C. There’s also the Ember Quilt series for the gram-counter extraordinaire!

Ether Light XT Sleeping Mat – for a super compact and lightweight system.

For the general all-round hiker that wants awesome quality and isn’t fussed by a bit of extra weight or pack size.

Aeros Ultralight Pillow – inflatable with internal baffles to cradle your head.

Ascent Sleeping Bag – down fill, tapered rectangle, and available in two sizes for comfort ratings of 2°C, -1C, −4 °C, -9C, and −11 °C. Or, the Altitude women’s specific version, −4 °C and −10 °C.

Ultra Light SI Hiking Mat – Our pick for the general hiker.

If you’re a pretty extreme adventurer, you’re going to want high-end gear from which you can demand the most. Image: Sea to Summit

4WDing

STS has built a solid reputation around their ultralight gear, so it might come as a surprise that we reckon there’s a few key pieces that are perfect for off-road touring. There are three important components to a decent sleep system – your pillow, your sleeping bag, and your mat. So, what’s our pick for 4WDing?

Mats

Comfort Plus SI – for the compact 4WDer, this one crosses over from general camping to offer the best of both.

Camp Plus SI – another versatile mat that is suitable for both camping and 4WDing. This is a really durable choice.

Comfort DLX SI – available in three sizes, Regular Wide, Large Wide, and Double. These mats have a much larger pack size compared to the other two but are the crème de la crème in 4WD luxury.

Sleep Systems

If you’ve got a beefed-up rig but need to keep your gear weight and size down for touring.

Aeros Down Pillow Deluxe – an air-filled premium pillow that will cradle your head with down-filled baffles stitched into the cushioned top.

Amplitude Sleeping Bag – a down-filled warmer option that’s available in three comfort ratings, 2°C, −8°C, and Double −8°C options.

Comfort Plus SI – compact, self-inflating, 8cm thick, and insulated. The Tapered version is great for fitting the whole family into one tent, or it’s also available in Rectangle, and Double.

There we have it, folks! That’s a round-up of our ‘Snowys Pick’ from the Sea to Summit range. No matter whether you’re a male or female, warm sleeper or cold sleeper, ultra-lightweight hiker or heavy-duty 4WD tourer, big-spender or on a tight budget – there’s a mat and sleep system to keep you comfortable on your camping, hiking, or 4WDing adventures.

Want more from Sea to Summit?

Ben and Lauren sit down with the team and bivvy down on what goes on behind the scenes:

Tell us about your sleeping system and what you would like to improve. We can help.

The post The Sea to Summit Sleep Systems appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Toasty Tips for a Warmer Sleep

David Leslie — Sat, 16 May 2026 07:33:00 +0000

Is your sleeping bag failing to keep you warm during the winter months? Do you remember it being warmer?

Maybe you’re concerned your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough, but your not in a position to buy another one?

If this sounds like you, this blog lists 5 toasty tips for a warmer sleep – but first, let’s bivvy down and learn a little more about the humble sleeping bag…

Brrrr, winter camping can get positively arctic if your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough! Credit: Sea to Summit

The Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags are one of the only products on the market that have a temperature rating. Think about it, it’s not common to buy a jacket or even a quilt for your bed at home with an actual temperature rating.

As a general rule, if we feel cold we put an extra jumper on or another blanket on the bed. Despite this, we expect that a sleeping bag with a ‘temperature rating’ of 0 degrees will keep us toasty warm in the snow, no matter what type of person we are.

The reality is that this temperature rating is only a guide. We all feel the cold differently, so we simply cannot expect a sleeping bag to reflect such science – or that one temperature rating fits all.

So, what does temperature rating mean? How can we use this roughly equated number to help us choose an appropriate bag for the job?

We all feel the cold differently. Credit: Sea to Summit

Sleeping Bag Temperatures

Before delving in – ask yourself:

Do you usually go camping during cold weather, when it’s warm, or both?
If the weather is forecast to be cold – how cold? Is there a chance of frost or snow?
Are you sleeping outside, or in a tent? How large is the tent? Is it just for sleepovers?

With those considerations in mind, let’s talk sleeping bag ratings:

+5 to +10-Degree Bags

Considered a ‘summer’ bag. It is roughly as warm as sleeping with a sheet or light blanket on your bed at home.

0-Degree Bags

A great all-rounder, but won’t keep you warm in the snow or frost – it’s about the same as having a regular doona on your bed at home.

-5 to -10-Degree Bags

Considered a ‘winter’ bag for typical Australian climates – it should be similar to having flannelette sheets and an extra blanket or two on your bed at home.

You will feel cooler as the external temperature approaches the sleeping bag’s rated temperature. Credit: Sea to Summit

EN/ISO Temperature Rating

Sleeping bags must be independently tested by the manufacturer to obtain this rating. The rating is often based on an R-value, which is a measurement of insulation – just like the insulation in the walls of your house.

Some manufacturers will do real world testing on one sample of their insulation, and apply a formula to the different sleeping bags. On the other hand, sleeping bags tested to an EN (European) Standard (or an ISO or international standard as of 2016), are the most accurately tested bags.

That said, keep in mind that this testing is done in a controlled and static environment where a dummy is placed inside the sleeping bag with temperature sensors. So, unless you’re a motionless dummy sleeping in an environment void of variables, you’ll need to allow for your own physiological makeup and the equipment you are using.

What is the EN or ISO Standard?

There are no testing guidelines here in Australia, so look out for bags that have been tested according to EN Standards. The EN Standard for sleeping bags is marked EN13537, which was superseded by the ISO 23537-1 international standard in 2016.

The standard measures three temperature ratings:

Comfort

The temperature at which a standard woman can expect to sleep comfortably, without feeling cold and in a relaxed position.

Lower Limit

The temperature at which a standard man inside the bag sleeping in a curled position is starting to feel cold, but not shivering. This is the limit of performance for the sleeping bag.

Extreme

At this temperature, anyone can expect to feel particularly cold with a risk of hypothermia. You should only use the sleeping bag in this range for an emergency.

Not all manufacturers will list all three ratings – ensure you’re considering the correct one. Ultimately, no amount of laboratory testing is going to be 100% accurate to your body. Less expensive sleeping bags will advertise a more generous rating that may not be accurate. Bags that list the EN/ISO Standards will be more accurate and provide a good point for comparison between bags. As that process is expensive though, it will affect the price tag.

You can always shed a layer or unzip your bag if you’re hot – but if you wake up freezing cold in the middle of the night, there won’t be much you can do to get warm!

Want to delve into the nitty gritty of sleep system ratings, have a listen to our interview with Sea To Summit on the Snowys Camping Show here >>

Look out for bags that have been tested according to EN Standards. Credit: Sea to Summit

Choosing Your Sleeping Bag

The temperature rating is the point at which you will likely wake up to. You will feel cooler as the external temperature approaches this rated temperature, so it’s important to allow yourself a temperature buffer. The below factors are worth considering to help select the right bag for you.

First, determine the lowest temperature you will be using the sleeping bag in most of the time.
From here, we recommend adding a buffer to ensure you sleep warm. This is dependent on how you sleep:
- Warm sleepers: refer to the EN/ISO tested ‘Comfort’ rating as a starting point, and choose a bag with a rating at 5 degrees below the lowest temperatures you plan to use your sleeping bag in.
- Cold sleepers: refer to the EN/ISO tested ‘Lower Limit’ rating as a starting point, and choose a bag with a rating at 5-10 degrees below the lowest temperatures you plan to use your sleeping bag in.
Keep in mind that you can expand the comfort range of a sleeping bag by adding liners for extra warmth, or use the sleeping bag unzipped as a doona to cater for temperature extremes you may occasionally encounter.
Finally: this is not an exact science. We are all different, with varying metabolisms. You’ll need to use some of your own judgement in your selection.

Need more help choosing the right bag, read our How to Find the Perfect Sleeping Bag guide here >>

Our 5 Tips For A Warmer Sleep

1. Wash Your Sleeping Bag

If your sleeping bag is on the ‘well-used’ side and doesn’t seem to be as warm as it once was, you may need to simply give it a good wash. Over time, the oils from your skin together with moisture caught in the filling can cause the stuffing to clump together. This prevents it from ‘fluffing up’, which keeps you insulated and warm.

The filling in the sleeping bag needs to ‘puff up’ and expand with air, which then traps the body heat of the person sleeping inside. Washing your old sleeping bag will clean the filling and enable it to do this more effectively, thus trapping more warm air and increasing the insulation between the person inside and the cold air outside.

Wash your sleeping bag to restore its warmth.

How to Wash Your Sleeping Bag

The washing process differs between down and synthetic bags, he below process is best for synthetic bags, for down bags see our guide on How To Wash Down Sleeping Bags here >>

Put your sleeping bag in a pillowcase to protect the thin outer material from tearing.
Using a front loader, wash your sleeping bag on a warm, gentle cycle (if you have a down sleeping bag, use Down Wash).
Dry your sleeping bag in a large tumble dryer on the lowest setting. Place a few tennis balls inside the dryer too; these will smash into the sleeping bag, breaking up the filling and fluffing it up again.
If you don’t have access to a dryer, simply dry the sleeping bag on the clothesline in the sun. Every half an hour or so, beat it with a tennis racket to break up the filling.

2. Use a Thermal Liner and Hot Water Bottle

Thermal Liners

If your sleeping bag isn’t rated low enough for the conditions you’re using it in, or if you’ve discovered you’re a cooler sleeper – rather than purchasing another sleeping bag, consider adding a silk, cotton, or fleece liner.

A thermal liner is made of the same material as thermal underwear, specifically designed and rated to boost the warmth of your sleeping bag. While there are many on the market, the cotton and silk liners by Sea to Summit are a personal favourite.
By adding a liner to your bag, you not only have a sufficient winter sleep system but can still use the sleeping bag on its own in average conditions. The liner can then be used on its own in warmer weather! A removable liner also keeps your sleeping bag cleaner, and thus your filling in better condition.

On the contrary, avoid adding extra blankets on top of your bedding. The weight will crush the filling, rendering it ineffective for trapping the air. Use them beneath you, or under your mat instead.

Hot Water Bottles

If you’re heading away for a particularly cold weekend, it may be worth packing a good ol’ fashioned hot water bottle too. You can also use a regular water bottle – just ensure it has a quality seal so it won’t leak, and the water inside isn’t too hot. If oyu are using squeeze style water bottles make sure it has a lockout feature to avoid it leaking all over your gear. Checkout the range of water bottles at Snowys here.

Heat the billy before bed and pour the hot (not boiling) water into your bottle. Tuck it into your sleeping bag with you – and enjoy some seriously snug comfort! Better yet, if you prepare it ahead of time, you’re pre-heating your bed so it’s warm by the time you officially hit the sack!

3. Wear Thermal Clothing

Thermal underwear are the warmest pyjamas you will ever need when camping in cold conditions! Known as a ‘base layer’, they will trap warmth directly against your skin and make a huge difference to your comfort in cold conditions. Layering clothes on top of your thermal base will trap air between the fabric, keeping you warmer than simply adding a single thick layer of clothing.

Ensure you add your layers and warm up by the campfire well before lights out too, so the heat has time to build. This will also have it easier to maintain, as it will be trapped with you when you slide into your sleeping bag.

4. Don a Beanie, Gloves, and Socks

Humans lose about 30% of their body heat through their heads! By wearing a beanie to bed or tightening the hood of your sleeping bag, you’re trapping more warmth. Simply keep your mouth and nose free so you’re not breathing into your bag – this creates moisture throughout the night.

When your body becomes cold, it takes blood from the extremities such as your feet and hands to instead keep it surrounding your vital organs. By heading to bed with warm socks and gloves, you’re keeping your feet and hands warm, which maintains the blood flowing to them. This makes for a better night’s sleep!

Socks, gloves, and beanies are an easy way to stay warmer in your sleeping bag

5. Eat a Big Dinner!

Your body uses a lot of energy to digest big meals. In the case of a large dinner, all this energy will produce heat and keep you warm come bedtime. By eating a decent sized dinner packed with low GI carbohydrates, your body will continue to burn fuel all through the night!

Two-minute noodles give you enough energy for… well, two minutes. On the other hand, a big bowl of spaghetti Bolognese will ensure a good night’s sleep! Just don’t eat too much…and go easy on the garlic, or you’ll be awake with indigestion! Contrary to popular belief too, if nature calls during the night you are better off surrendering to it; holding on will override your kidney’s signal to your brain. Through a chain of technical temperature regulation measures, our bodies feel colder when our bladder is in need of relief!

Keep Warm on Your Next Adventure!

No matter the age or quality of your sleeping bag, these tips will help you achieve the best from it.

It’s worth noting too that your sleeping bag is part of a whole sleep-system. This means that your choice of sleeping mat will also influence how cold or warm you will be throughout the night.

An airbed is not one to keep you warm, as the air within the mattress will remain cold. Instead, choose a closed-cell foam or filled mat, which traps air and helps insulate. Sleeping inside a smaller tent that is double-walled (ie. using a fly) and having decent ventilation to reduce moisture build-up are also tips worth bearing in mind.

Here’s hoping you can get a good night’s sleep, even on those freezing cold winter nights! With the above tips, you’re less likely to resort to the dangerous (and not recommended) tactic of using a heater inside your tent… or to the ancient Native American method of creating a hot rock bed!

Looking for a new sleeping bag? See our top sleeping bag picks for 2026 — or browse the full sleeping bag range at Snowys.

The post Toasty Tips for a Warmer Sleep appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Family Camping Tents in 2026

Ben Collaton — Fri, 15 May 2026 02:56:30 +0000

A tent needs to offer liveability, comfort, and ease of use; essential factors for a fun and relaxing family holiday. We want you to love camping just as much as we do, so we’ve once again reviewed our range and listed our top picks from the family camping tent category for 2026.

Our picks here are based on customer feedback, brand reliability in both manufacturing and after sales support, and our own experience from selling these tents over many years.

Whether you are a seasoned camper or newbie planning your first camping trip, there’s a family tent to suit every family size and budget.

You can see the full range of family camping tents at Snowys here >>

Best Rated All-Round Family Tent

Coleman Instant Up 10P Lighted Northstar Darkroom Tent

$799.00

In Stock

Check out the whole Coleman Instant Up range here >>

Maintaining its position as our best-rated family tent for yet another year, the Coleman Instant Up 10P Lighted Northstar Darkroom Tent is the sunrise-defying shelter for families chasing comfort, convenience, and a much-needed sleep-in. The unique darkroom coating blocks 95% of daylight, while the versatile awning delivers flexible setup options to suit any campsite.

Three rooms separated by zippered mesh and privacy doors carve out space for both family time and a quiet retreat, while integrated LED strip lighting brings the campsite glow at the flick of a switch. Tough flooring that feels great underfoot, paired with a 3000mm waterhead fly, keeps the family dry and comfortable – making this Coleman classic the well-earned number one for family campers at a very affordable price tag.

Best for: Families seeking value and ease of setup plus all the comforts in a tent for weekend getaways

Best Inflatable Family Tent

Zempire Evo TL V2 Air Tent

$2,000.00

In Stock

Built for the big trip and ideal for large families chasing the best balance of longevity and affordability in an air tent – the Evo TL V2 by Zempire delivers premium ventilation, UV protection, wild weather performance, and a whole lot of living space.

Angled beams add rigidity and headroom, the extended awning provides privacy and protection from the elements, and the multi-configuration bedroom system creates flexibility and comfort for families on the move. Fifteen ventilation points and five external windows keep the airflow superb, while bug-proof mesh keeps the insects at bay. Rain, hail, or shine, torrential rain-tested, UV-treated fabric, TPU taping, seam-sealing, and a fire retardant coating armour the Evo against the elements.

For large families wanting room to spread out and relax, the Zempire Evo TL V2 hits the good-value sweet spot in the air tent line-up.

Best for: Large families seeking the best balance of durability and affordability in an air tent

Best 2 Room Family Tent

Dometic Santorini FTK 4X8 TC Inflatable Tent

$1,420.00

Out of Stock

When it comes to 2-room family tents, the Santorini FTK TC stands in a league of its own. Despite the scepticism around inflatable frames (often thought prone to punctures) versus alloy, steel, or aluminium – Dometic’s air frame technology features a TPU bladder pressure-tested well beyond typical campsite inflation levels, delivering rock-solid reliability in a lightweight package.

With multi-point inflation and a Quickpitch guying system, the Santorini FTK 4X8 TC pitches in seconds, giving the whole family more time to soak up the campsite. The dual-room layout and near-vertical walls maximise livability and offer flexible sleeping arrangements, while mesh panels keep the bugs at bay. Polycotton fabric reduces condensation and regulates interior temperature, and the large rear ventilation panel adds extra airflow for all-round comfort. Plus, the inflatable canopy caters for any family affair – from feeding the kids to a fun night in with friends.

Best for: Families up to four people who want liveability and ease of setup

Best 4 Room Family Tent

OZtrail Fast Frame BlockOut Lumos 12P Tent

$1,049.99

In Stock

Check out the OZtrail Fast Frame Lumos range here >>

If you need shelter for an army, the OZtrail Fast Frame BlockOut Lumos 12P Tent is the spacious, speedy-setup shelter for big families chasing room to spread out without sacrificing comfort. The enormous four-room footprint delivers separate sleeping zones for the whole crew, plus a fully enclosed front room that doubles as covered storage or an additional bedroom – proving there’s a spot for everyone (and everything).

The Fast Frame system and triple hub design make pitch-up a breeze, while a 150D flysheet with 3000mm waterhead rating and tough Polyoxford PVC floor stand up to whatever the weather throws down. BlockOut technology on the fly blocks 95% of light and reduces internal heat by 10°C for sunrise-defying sleep-ins, integrated dimmable 230-lumen Lumos strip lighting brings customised, zoned ambience to each room, and ClimaTech vents paired with No-See-Um mesh keep the air flowing and the bugs out – making this OZtrail flagship the well-earned go-to for families who need a room for everyone.

Best for: Families seeking the most space and liveability for their dollar

Best Luxury Family Tent

Zempire Pro TM V2 Air Tent

$2,300.00

In Stock

Taking out top honours as our most luxurious family tent, the Zempire Pro TM V2 Air Tent is the premium air tent for families chasing top-shelf comfort, convenience, and quality at the campsite. Single-point inflation has the entire tent set up in mere minutes from one sole position, delivering both rock-solid stability and more time spent enjoying the indoor space in any outdoor place.

Three-way windows offer effortless control over airflow and privacy, while a multi-bedroom interior with easy-use zip-out inners carves out up to two private crannies – keeping the campsite parties separate from the bedtime ambience. Tinted PVC skylights add a touch of class and a sense of space, the extended awning delivers shaded living for those lazy days, and a torrential rain-tested fly with an 8000mm waterhead keeps the family dry no matter the weather – making this Zempire flagship the undisputed luxury pick for families who like to camp in style.

Best for: Families seeking a tent that feels, looks and performs the best

Best Tent To Grow With Your Family

Zempire Shapeshifter 4 Air Tent Sleeping Module

$1,400.00

Out of Stock

See the full range of shapeshifter modules here >>

Probably the best modular family tent system available, the Zempire Shapeshifter 4 Air Tent Sleeping Module is the shapeshifting shelter that grows and adapts with your family. As the foundation of Zempire’s innovative Shapeshifter Series, this sleeping module is the starting point – and from there, the layout is in your hands.

Connect seamlessly via colour-coded zippers to any of the separately available Shapeshifter modules and accessories – including Living Modules, Awning Modules, and Awning Wall Sets – to expand as the kids, gear, or crew grow. Oversized air tubes inflate in under two minutes, the darkened bedroom pod accommodates sleep-ins, and near-vertical walls deliver generous head height inside. With a PFAS-free Aeroweave canvas fly, 6000mm waterhead rating, and configurable one or two-bedroom layout – this Zempire flagship is the well-earned go-to for families who want a tent that evolves with them.

Best for: Families wanting a modular tent that will adapt to your family needs

Best Compact Family Tent

Zempire Aerospeed 10 Air Tent

$1,200.00

Out of Stock

A small vehicle shouldn’t preclude you from taking your family camping. The Zempire Aerospeed 10 Air Tent is the pack-light, pitch-fast shelter for families chasing big-tent comfort without the big-tent bulk. Weighing in at just 15.5kg and folding down to a compact 59 x 33 x 36cm carry bag, this 10-person air tent slots neatly into the back of the car – leaving more room for the rest of the camping kit.

Single-point inflation has the entire tent set up in under two minutes, while lightweight-but-tough aluminium brow poles promote near-vertical walls for room to move and 205cm of head height inside. Front and rear doors with protected awning spaces provide flexible access and ventilation, the easy-attach dividing curtain splits the space into two rooms, and the eco-friendly Dura-Core fly and 5000mm waterhead floor keep the family dry – making this Zempire flyweight the well-earned go-to for families who want maximum space in minimum pack size.

Best for: Compact car setups or anyone wanting to trim bulk and weight

Best Family Touring Tent

Oztent RV-5 Plus Canvas Touring Tent

$1,699.00

Out of Stock

See the full range of Oztent tents & accessories here >>

When you’re combining family camping with outback touting, the Oztent RV-5 Plus Canvas Touring Tent is the rapid-deploy, road-ready shelter for families chasing the open track without the setup hassle. Famous for its 30-second pitch, the strong aluminium frame can be assembled or packed away by one person in less than half a minute – so when the kids are tired and the campsite’s waiting, you’re not.

Built from durable 8oz ripstop polycotton canvas with a heavy-duty 510g PVC tub floor and a 210T silver-coated polyester fly, the RV-5 Plus is tough enough to handle the rigours of the road and the unpredictability of the great outdoors. A SkyMesh skylight built into the roof unzips for an insect-free view of the stars and added ventilation on warm nights, while the large attached awning carves out a dedicated living space outside the sleeping zone. Compatible with the wider Oztent ecosystem of side panels, connectors, and tag-alongs – this tent is part of the Oztent RV range that has become the go-to for families hitting the dirt and going the distance.

Best for: Families on the move who need durability, reliability and ease of setup at the expense of extra weight and bulk

Best Four Season Family Tent

BlackWolf Turbo BLK Lite Plus 300 Tent

$1,349.99

Out of Stock

See the full range of Black Wolf Turbo Tents & accessories here >>

Our best family camping tent for anything mother nature throws at it, the BlackWolf Turbo BLK Lite Plus 300 Tent is the all-weather shelter built tough without skimping on livability. A strong 23mm aluminium frame, reinforced pressure points, and a three-pole awning stand firm against the elements, while the 150D polyester fly with 3000mm waterhead and tough 300D Oxford floor with 5000mm waterhead keep the family dry through whatever the seasons throw down.

A triple black PU coating on the inner fly absorbs light and reduces heat for cooler summer days and sunrise-defying sleep-ins, while full ceiling mesh and vented roof panels keep airflow strong and condensation at bay through cooler nights. With a generous 4.8m x 3m sleeping area, 2m head height, and quick-pitch frame for fast setup – this BlackWolf classic is the well-earned go-to for families chasing a tent that handles every season without trading off the room to relax.

Best for: Families needing a rugged and liveable tent

Best Affordable Family Tent

OZtrail Tasman 6V Dome Tent

$209.99

In Stock

See the full range of OZtrail Tasman tents here >>

It can be expensive setting up a family camping kit, the OZtrail Tasman 6V Dome Tent is the no-fuss, easy-on-the-wallet shelter for families chasing an affordable way into the great outdoors. Sleeping up to six at a squeeze, but four in comfort, the breathable polyester inner and No-See-Um mesh windows keep things cool and bug-free, while the silver-coated fly reflects heat for added comfort in warmer climates.

The classic cross-pole configuration makes setup straightforward and helps prevent water from pooling on the fly, while user-friendly D-shaped doors at both ends allow easy access and ventilation for the whole crew. Internal organiser pockets keep the small stuff sorted, and the handy lantern hook lets you light things up after dark – making this OZtrail classic the well-earned go-to for first-time family campers and weekend warriors alike.

Best for: Occasional use or families setting up camp on a budget

Family Tent FAQ’s

What size family tent do I need?

It comes down to personal preference, but keep in mind that stated sleeping capacities aren’t conducive to a comfortable stay. A 6-person tent realistically sleeps about four people comfortably, and a 10+ person tent is usually counting living space as sleeping space. For example, a family of four will fit in a 4-person tent but will be far more comfortable with separate living and sleeping space in an 8 to 10-person tent.

Air frames or poles?

Both have merits. Air frames have come a long way — they’re reliable, quick to set up, and forgiving in strong winds, flexing rather than bending or breaking when pushed to their limits. Fibreglass, steel, or alloy poles are often more affordable, create a more rigid frame, and have a long track record of reliability.

How much should I spend on a family tent?

Realistically, a functional, reliable, and liveable tent the whole family will enjoy costs between $800 and $1,500. If you use the tent multiple times a year, you may see better value in spending a little more. If space, versatility, ease of setup, durability, and comfort are all priorities, expect to pay well over $2,000.

What is waterhead rating?

Don’t overthink this — you’ll end up down a rabbit hole of opinions that’ll only confuse you. In a nutshell, a 1,500mm rating is waterproof and more than sufficient for most family camping conditions, and many family tents come in at around 3,000mm. Brands quoting huge figures are often doing so for attention and may be sacrificing fabric strength to get there. If you want to go deeper, have a listen to our podcast conversation on the topic with Zempire.

Do I need light blocking fabric?

Once again, personal preference. It’s handy if you want to get the kids asleep while it’s still light out, or if you like to sleep in. The claims of reducing internal heat are only really true when paired with adequate ventilation. Personally, I like being woken up by the morning sun, so light-blocking fabric isn’t for me — but plenty of families swear by it.

What is a ‘Touring’ tent?

A touring tent is built for travellers who are always on the move — setting up and packing down at a different location each night, often as an alternative to a rooftop tent. These tents typically feature a quick-pitch design and are made from durable fabrics that can handle regular use. They’re often heavier than standard family tents and may require roof racks or a trailer for transport.

The Verdict

From sunrise-defying darkrooms and shapeshifting modular setups to budget-friendly dome classics and tough-as-nails touring tents, this year’s line-up proves there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to family camping. What works for a weekend getaway in the caravan park might not cut it for a fortnight off the bitumen – and that’s exactly why our list spans the full spectrum.

The good news? Every tent on this list has earned its spot through real customer feedback, in-store conversations, and the kind of trial-by-Aussie-weather that only our campers can deliver. Whether you’re chasing your first family-friendly setup, upgrading to something more luxurious, or future-proofing as the kids and gear pile grow – the right tent is on this list, waiting for its next adventure.

Still not sure which one suits your crew? Drop into a Snowys store, give our team a call on 1300 914 007, or jump into the Snowys Camping Banter Facebook group where thousands of fellow campers share their real-world experiences. From our family to yours – happy camping!

The post Best Family Camping Tents in 2026 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Camping Stoves – Our 2026 Picks

Ben Collaton — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:14:00 +0000

At the heart of gourmet camp food preparation is your camp stove. Just like those tree stumps perched by the firepit pretending to be cutting-edge, ergonomic, campsite furniture – some camp cookware doesn’t allow us to extend our cuisine dreams much beyond refried beans or tinned spaghetti!

The right cooker will support your sunset alfresco dining dream, and deliver – but the wrong stove could see your ideal, straight-from-a-magazine meal become a bowl of blackened, off-balanced bitterness! With the extensive range available on the market, choosing a camp stove to bring that spark to after dark cooking can be a complicated task. You need a stove that sizzles in all the right places, simmers for all the right dinners, and takes care of that suppertime snacking.

To crank the heat, we’ve dropped our picks for every type of camp chef, from a sausage in bread to a gourmet goulash, there’s a stove in the Snowys range for every camper.

See what gear our resident Camp Cook, Cam, uses when he’s cooking in the campsite?

How To Choose A Camp Stove

From picnics in the park to cook-ups at the campsite — the Orbitor Portable BBQ by Gasmate delivers the ultimate outdoor dinners, bringing the full backyard BBQ experience wherever you pitch up.

With a stainless steel burner pumping out 12 Megajoules per hour and rotary ignition for easy lighting, firing it up is as straightforward as connecting to a gas cylinder via the direct hose and regulator. A satin enamel cast iron grill and plate offers a generous 160cm² of cooking space — plenty of room to run burgers, snags, and a few chops simultaneously. The integrated temperature gauge earns its keep on those slow Sunday roasts, giving you the confidence to low-and-slow without lifting the lid every five minutes.

The Orbitor is built to the same standard you’d expect from a quality backyard setup, easy fold-out legs get it off the ground, and the cast iron cooking surfaces retain heat the way good BBQ gear should. For campers who take their meat seriously, this is the portable BBQ that won’t have you missing home.

Best for: Cooking meat, and lots of it

Tune in to Ben and Lauren as they decode liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and what to consider when choosing a camp stove.

Camp Stove FAQ’s

Can you use a camp stove indoors?

No. Camp stoves are designed for outdoor use only. Using one indoors risks fatal carbon monoxide poisoning for anyone in the space.

Are butane camp stoves good?

For the right conditions, yes. They’re affordable, compact, and the gas refills are cheap – and they perform well in warm weather. The trade-off is that performance drops significantly in cold temperatures, so they’re not ideal for winter trips.

Are camping stoves safe?

Yes, when used correctly. The main risks relate to LPG gas connection and transport. Read our detailed gas safety guide here >>

Can you use a camp stove on a table?

Yes, with some care. Heat from a stove mostly travels upward, but a large pot can cause some to radiate downward. Metal tables are generally fine – plastic tables can melt in some situations, and timber may burn. Hear our podcast discussion on the topic >>.

Can I put a camp oven on a gas stove?

Yes, but heat it up slowly. High, localised heat causes uneven expansion in cast iron, which can lead to cracking. Low, gentle heat is the right approach.

Can you simmer on a camp stove?

It depends on the stove. Some, like the Coleman Hyperflame, run hot with limited adjustment — simmering is tricky. Others, like the Dometic Cadac, offer much finer heat control. Check reviews and product descriptions for specifics.

Can you connect a camp stove to a caravan bayonet fitting?

Not unless the stove has a flame failure device. Any stove used in an enclosed space — including a caravan awning, which is classified as indoors under Australian standards — must have this safety feature.

Which gas fittings do I need for my camp stove?

A common topic for confusion, and something worth getting your head around. We have an article worth reading on Understanding Gas Fittings for camping stoves >>. Furthermore, in recent years the POL fitting was updated, you can read about this new LCC27 fitting here >>.

Ready to buy, check out the full range of camp stoves and accessories here >>

The post Best Camping Stoves – Our 2026 Picks appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Beach Shelters for 2026

Snowys Staff — Mon, 04 May 2026 23:42:00 +0000

What’s more frustrating – finding the entire beach in your bathers after only a minute of frolicking in the whitewash, or that random patch of sunburn blotched somewhere the sunscreen didn’t quite reach?

Where sand can be removed almost immediately – sunburn stings, lingers, and can spoil a summer. The only thing that should fry when the weather heats up is a snag on the BBQ.

With hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses – adequate shelter should be top priority on those low-tide days of sand, surf, and rays. To stay hot on it like sunshine on a shade, we’ve collated our top 10 sellers in the beach shelter category for the past year, from your pop-up huts to the opened-up setups. With a range of colours, styles, and prints available too, your seaside, summertime setup just got 10 shades brighter!

We’ve collated our top 10 sellers in the beach shelter category for the past year, from your pop-up huts to the opened-up setups!

10. Hollie & Harrie Sombrilla Moana Beach Shade

If style matters as much as shade, this one’s hard to overlook. The Sombrilla Moana sports a classic navy stripe and 420D polyester fabric with 95% UV protection — tested by ARPANSA, so it’s not just a marketing claim. Three sets of eyelets let you adjust the pitch as the sun moves, and rust-resistant aluminium poles keep it solid in a breeze. Packs down to 100 x 20 x 10cm in a matching zippered carry bag with shoulder straps. A great pick if you want something that looks as good as it functions.

Hollie & Harrie Sombrilla Moana Beach Shade Hello Sailor

$159.00

Out of Stock

9. Explore Planet Earth Speedy Pop-Up Sunshelter Family

So your Dad can assemble an awning, rustle up kick-butt barbecue grub, and probably produce the best campfire damper – but when it comes to pitching a tent in soft sand and erratic wind, he’s useless.

Well, the clever Speedy Family Pop-Up Sun Shelter from Explore Planet Earth is the beach tent henchman he’s always wanted but too proud to request!

With an instant, pop-up design, the Speedy Family Pop-Up Sun Shelter shields the fam from the harsh Aussie sun with a UPF 50+ rated fabric. A zippered back panel delivers both additional protection when closed and optimal ventilation when opened, including a detachable floor for sitting on too.

As easy to set up as it is to pack down, its durable frame boasts a non-corrosive spring steel frame with pegs and a sandbag anchor included for stability too. Plus, built-in sand and storage pockets keep small items at hand.

Explore Planet Earth Speedy Pop-Up Sunshelter Family

$104.90

In Stock

8. Zempire Speedbase 2 Air Shelter

Whether you’re a family of river rats or beach bums, the Speedbase Air Shelter by Zempire is your most trusted travelling tent!

Quick to go up and even faster to come down, it features tow external inflation/deflation valves for swift setup and pack-down. The dome design resists windy conditions and pairs seamlessly with Zempire Air tents. Inbuilt upper expel vents minimise condensation, while the solution-dyed 75D canopy provides reliable shade. Its inflatable airframe with dome cross-over poles guarantees stable construction 2.6m x 2.6m of undercover space, complete with glow zip pullers and high-vis webbing for lantern attachment.

Zempire Speedbase 2 Air Gazebo

$900.00

In Stock

7. Darche KOZI Series Compact Shelter

Designed with an easy, instant frame featuring quick-release buttons, you’ll be set up fast and packed down faster. Large enough to accommodate the whole family, it meanwhile folds into a lightweight, compact size for easy storage in your vehicle.

Large enough to accommodate the whole family!

The Kozi boasts a 150D PU coated polyester with a 600mm waterhead rating, and a 22mm powder-coated steel frame for robust durability. Roof vents allow for added ventilation, while built-in sand pockets are perfect for the beach – complete with steel pegs, guy ropes, and a carry bag.

Darche KOZI Series Compact Shelter

$329.00

In Stock

6. Beachkit Australia Rainbow 240cm Beach Umbrella

This lightweight yet robust design sports a classic 420D mildew-resistant polyester that’s UPF50+ rated to block at least 98% of harmful UV rays, as tested by ARPANSA. Two-piece anodised non-rust poles and quality flexible fibreglass ribs support the canopy, providing family-sized shade with serious style. The oversized two-piece vented top helps prevent your tropical paradise from taking flight during gusty afternoons, while the rainbow design makes it easy to locate your spot on the sand after cooling off int he water.

Beachkit Australia Rainbow 240cm Beach Umbrella

$159.00

In Stock

5. OZtrail 4.2 Shade Dome Deluxe with Sunwall

For roughing it out rural or just the backyard barbeques – the 4.2 Shade Dome Deluxe with Sunwall by OZtrail throws serious shade without the attitude!

For roughing it out rural or just the backyard barbeques!

From downpour to drought, the full steel frame supports a silver PU-coated 150-denier canopy blocking up to 98% of UV rays while resisting rain with seam-sealing and 1000mm water rating. Steel shock-cord poles enable easy two-person setup in minutes, while the zippered roof vent controls airflow on humid days. Storage pockets keep wallets, keys, and phones nearby, plus the additional sunwall provides extra protection from UV, wind, or prying eyes. Complete with a 600-denier wheeled carry bag for effortless transport.

OZtrail Deluxe 4.2 Shade Dome with Sunwall

$319.99

In Stock

4. Oztent Malamoo 2- and 4-Hub Beach Shelter

From lazy afternoons to lagoons and hazy Malibu – the Malamoo 2- and 4-Hub Beach Shelters by Oztent are convenient, compact, and protective.

Designed to hold up in harsh Australian conditions. Image: Oztent

At Number 1, transform any outdoor bash into a sheltered sanctuary with Coleman’s Event 15 Deluxe Shelters with Sunwalls!

Where outdoor gatherings meet serious weather-beating coverage!

These expansive shelters command respect with sturdy steel frames and 150D polyester canopies, delivering over 12 or 20 square metres of coverage that puts the elements firmly in their place. Easy Glide frames with pinch-free locking systems make setup so smooth even your least handy mate can claim hero status. Durable guy ropes and pegs anchor down with serious determination, while included sunwalls provide side protection.

Coleman Event 15 Deluxe Shelter + Sunwall

$349.00

In Stock

Outdoor Connection stools

What does your beachside setup consist of? Let us know in the comments!

The post Best Beach Shelters for 2026 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep 201 – What We Should Get Rid Of…But Don’t

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:27:18 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Seven tents, five swags, and a fridge that moonlights as a weights bench…

It turns out even the most seasoned gear gurus aren’t immune to a good old camping hoard! In this episode, Ben and Lauren throw open the shed doors and take an honest, hilarious inventory of the gear they can’t quite bring themselves to part with – from sentimental scout-era stoves and hiking packs that haven’t seen a trail in years, to duplicate eskies, eleven mugs, and enough camp chairs to seat a small army.

Be it the surprisingly relatable logic of keeping a broken fridge, the case for holding onto your eighth sleeping bag, or the moment Lauren admits she has more tents than she has weekends to use them – tune in for a candid, laugh-out-loud conversation about the gear we accumulate, the reasons we justify keeping it, and why sometimes the hardest part of camping isn’t the hike… it’s the shed!

Turns out we have a lot of gear in our sheds.

Shortcuts:

0:10 – Welcome & Episode Introduction
0:33 – Why We Hoard Camping Gear (And Can’t Let Go)
3:53 – Tents: Seven Each and Counting
10:10 – Stoves: From Scouts to Induction
15:15 – Wash Tubs & Ice Boxes
15:47 – Eskies, Coolers & Fridges
18:43 – Camp Chairs
20:49 – Shed Storage Tubs, Random Gear & the Mug Situation
24:13 – Hydration Bladders & Ageing Hiking Gear
24:40 – Campfire Cooking Gear (Lauren’s Uncut Collection)
28:17 – Lights & Lanterns: Time for an Upgrade
30:15 – Sleeping Mats: The Foam Era Is Over
32:49 – Sleeping Bags
34:33 – Packs & Bags: From Kokoda to School Camp
40:13 – Why Our Sheds Look Like This
43:57 – Wrap-Up & Join the Conversation

Mentioned in this episode:

Note: many products mentioned are now obsolete and are not included in this list.

Darche Safari 350

Darche Nebula

Coleman Powerhouse Stove

Coleman Eventemp Stove

Exped Mats

Sea To Summit Mats

Black Wolf Duffel Pack

Hard Korr U-Lites (Hot Cross Buns)

Transcript:

Welcome & Episode Introduction

Ben: 00:10
Joined again by myself, Ben and Lauren. How you going? I’m good.

Lauren: 00:14
How are you? Yeah, just had a big hearty laugh um with Larry over something very ridiculous.

Ben: 00:21
So for work conversation, we’ll um we won’t bring it up on

Lauren: 00:25
The Winter Olympics and doping really is the as far as we can go. Yeah.

Why We Hoard Camping Gear (And Can’t Let Go)

Ben: 00:33
Um if you haven’t already done so, please subscribe. Tell your mates to subscribe as well uh to our YouTube channel. Uh you can listen in on your favourite podcast app and on Spotify. And we’ve got a Facebook group called Snowy’s Camping Banter, where we have conversation around these topics and anything you want to talk about or ask. If you’ve got queries about your setup, how to do things, whatever you want to ask, jump in there. There’s some awesome people who have got heaps of tips and techniques. Now, today I didn’t write down who, and I can’t remember where I got this question. At some stage, there was a customer question on a YouTube channel or or on a Facebook group, and um they said somewhere and they said, Why don’t you do an episode on gear that you don’t really want to get rid of, but you probably should get rid of. And I think I wrote it down and initially thought, I don’t know, probably maybe something in it. And then I thought, well, actually. I started I started to write out all the stuff in my shed, then I’m like, okay, let’s have a look at what I’ve got here, and maybe look at what I actually use and what I should probably get rid of and question why I’m keeping a bunch of this stuff. And then I went, actually, this is a decent episode. And then you’ve done the same thing.

Lauren: 01:37
I feel I feel a bit ashamed. I feel like dirt airing dirty laundry here.

Ben: 01:43
A little bit. I was speaking to Jake in the office this morning, and I said, This is what we’re we’re um we’re talking about. And then I don’t go camping as much as I’d like to. I’m literally going camping tonight, but it’s for a surf carnival, and I’m gonna get there by eight, get up by eight the next morning to go to the surf carnival, pack up and come home. So it’s not really camping. I’m just going to a caravan park because it’s closer to the surf carnival.

Lauren: 02:04
So where you go like Moana or something?

Ben: 02:06
Um Port Elliot, still south from here. So nice spot and everything, but it’s not really a camping trip. And that’s I know I did get a camping, no, not this year, because we’ve only just started 2026, but I did get away for a little bit last year. So one camping trip. Um, and I’m trying to, I haven’t done a percentage, but I reckon I probably use 50 to 60 percent of the gear that I’ve got. The other percentage is sitting there in case I need it. Percentage-wise, of the chance of needing it is so small because I don’t at the moment in currently in my life, I don’t get camping enough that I would might need two stoves. So I’m keeping it on the off chance that I might need it in the small percentage of time that I actually go camping.

Lauren: 02:45
I know exactly what you mean. I think sometimes as well, that if you’re getting rid of it, you’re either giving it away to friends or you’re chucking it on gumtree or marketplace or whatever. And it’s like for me, the resale value versus the replacement value, the discrepancy is too big. And so it’s like, oh, well, I’ll just I’ll just keep it because if in 20 years’ time I do want to use that swag again, then I’ll have it there instead of having to buy a new one.

Ben: 03:16
And this is the downside of buying good gear is that it just lasts forever.

Lauren: 03:20
I have outed myself as a hoarder.

Ben: 03:22
Well, camping hoarder, just camping.

Lauren: 03:25
Yeah, definitely just camping hoarder because I cannot stand clutter and like I can’t stand it.

Ben: 03:32
Well, nor can I. My my camping stuff’s quite well organized. But like I’ve just packed the car and the shelves still look quite full. But I’ve got what I need to go camping for two of us for the night.

Lauren: 03:42
Yeah.

Ben: 03:42
Anyway, so this this is gear that I have that I don’t want to get rid of.

Lauren: 03:49
This is we’ve basically just itemized our gear, haven’t we? Really?

Tents: Seven Each and Counting

Ben: 03:53
I’ve just written a list of everything in there, yeah. Yeah. We start with tents. I’ve got seven tents in the shed. Now, when I say it like that, that sounds ridiculous. Because even on this trip, there’s two of us going, and I said to my daughter, should we just take us, my daughter, sorry, should we just take a small tent? She goes, No, no, I want the big tent. So the RV5 five goes on the car every time. So RV5 that goes in the car. I’ve also got a like an old Back Wolf Tuff Dome, which I have used previously when we have longer stays and we need heaps more space in the tent, but I can extend the RV5 and my car awning out to cover that space anyway. I’ve then got a little four-person dome, which is quite handy because if I have people that say, We want to go camping, I’ve got a four-person dome you can use. I probably only need the RV5 and the four-person dome. Um, I’ve got two hiking tents. I’ve used one of them twice in the last, I don’t know how many years. Three hiking tents, sorry, because the other one is like the first hiking tent I got when I was in scouts and I was about 14.

Lauren: 04:50
Keep it.

Ben: 04:51
Like it just sits on the bottom of the pile because I can’t, I can’t, it’s I don’t know, it’s got sentimental. I don’t even know if it might have all fallen apart inside the bag. I’ve never looked at it.

Lauren: 05:00
Might just be threads.

Ben: 05:02
So I don’t know if I I somehow got to seven there.

Lauren: 05:06
Do you know what? I read through your list and I was like, Benji, you have a problem.

Ben: 05:11
Hang on, I’m looking at your list and you’ve gone tents by seven.

Lauren: 05:15
Yes, because,

Ben: 05:16
Here we go.

Lauren: 05:17
Because I read your list and I was like, what the hell, Benji? Like, horder much. And then I started typing and I was like, I’m actually,

Ben: 05:25
We’re more similar than we realize.

Lauren: 05:29
Yeah.

Ben: 05:29
So hang on, hang on. I have got one swag. I didn’t put swag, I’ve got one swag. You’ve gone seven tenths and five swags.

Lauren: 05:37
Stop! That’s why I said this is an episode of shame.

Ben: 05:42
You’ve got more kids than me, but seven tenths and five swags? Yeah. How big’s your shed?

Lauren: 05:47
It’s pretty big.

Ben: 05:48
No room in it.

Lauren: 05:49
It’s pretty big. There’s not much room in it, no. Um uh two doubles. Yeah. So I’ve got um, yeah, I’ve got a couple of family tents. We’ve got like an old Coleman, like back from I think it’s called a Montana. Um, you remember the Montana C V12 back before they were instant? Um, I have a Safari, I have um uh why am I blanking out here? Oh, and I’ve got a couple of Swaggers. So even though the Swaggers are small, they’re still family tent because that’s where like kids go and whatever. Um, and then I’ve got two two-person hiking tents. One is like an ultralight version, and one is more of a winter weight version, and then I’ve got a one-person hiking tent. They’re all valid tents.

Ben: 06:40
Question for you. What’s the latest one that you bought? The most recent one.

Lauren: 06:45
The most recent one I bought was the Safari 360.

Ben: 06:54
Why did you buy that? Was it because you liked it and it was cool and you went, I just want to.

Lauren: 07:01
I liked it and it was cool. And I don’t wanna the Coleman tent is quite old now, and I don’t want to put up a big three-bedroom tent. And I was just like, I don’t want an instant up tent. I don’t want to have like a big, sort of heavy, bulky framed tent. And I was like, the Safari 360, it’s like it’s cool. And then when I was camping when I was younger, actually, no, I was gonna say I should say I have eight tents, but I actually think that I don’t have that eighth one anymore. But when I was camping, we used to sleep. Um, that’s what we would sleep in. That’s what our tents were like, those singular pole, central legionnaire tents. And I just like them. I just think there’s nostalgic and it’s nice. And I like canvas tents as well. So it gives you, it just ticks some of my boxes.

Ben: 07:49
So you buy a tent like that, it probably means that eventually your kids, one of your kids, is gonna itemise their camping gear one day. I’ve got this old Darche 360 that mum gave me.

Lauren: 07:59
Yeah, because I I did use it. I did use to have my dad gave me a couple of years ago the canvas tent that we slept in when I was three.

Ben: 08:09
Yeah.

Lauren: 08:09
And it just lost its waterproofing or whatever. But do you know what I mean? Like it’s legit. But yes, I have I have that. But the thing is, I probably don’t need uh the Coleman tent because I just I just don’t use it similar to what you say, it’s just like it’s there because it’s a good tent and whatever, but I just don’t use it. But the things like the hiking things, I’ve got a lot of hiking stuff, like it’s there’s a lot in this list. I’m like, damn. But if if I’m like, oh, I want to go on a three-day hike, do you want to come with me? And they’re like, I don’t have any hiking gear, it’s like I got everything you need. And I just feel like for the size and weight. Anyway, I’m getting off topic here.

Ben: 08:51
You start running tours.

Lauren: 08:53
Yeah, but it’s just like I just I just would yeah, anyway. Swags so swags, yeah. I’ve got two doubles. I actually have an old um king swag which has broken and fallen apart, and it’s just like don’t use it. I have a Darche Nebula 1550 plus, which I think I may re-home just because it’s so big, it’s it’s just so big. It’s beautiful, and I love it, and it’s so nice to sleep in there. If I was literally just solo or couple, and I had a dual cab ute and I was just chucking it in there and and going down and staying on the beach for a weekend or whatever, perfect. But it just doesn’t, I don’t have a vehicle that I can chuck it in. It just doesn’t meet my needs, and I cannot see it meeting my needs for a while yet. Um, but also having said that, great swag, great quality, great value. I don’t want to move it on because I might want it. Anyway, and then I’ve just got a bunch of singles um for the kids, obviously, for if they want to go away camping with mates, it’s just like here you go.

Ben: 10:02
Uh so you can’t judge me for my tents because you’ve got more than I have.

Stoves: From Scouts to Induction

Lauren: 10:06
Well, that I had a I had a bit of a self-reflection after I started writing my list.

Ben: 10:10
Right now, stoves. I was about to have a go at you at stoves because I’ve said three and you’ve said six, uh, but then I’ve realized you’ve included your hiking stoves in there, which brings mine to five. So I’m still better than you. So I’ve got a the only one I actually use is my Coleman dual-fuel Powerhouse. Um, I’ve got a two-burner old, I don’t even know what the brand is. I had it for so long, it’d just be like an in-house or something when I yeah, it’s like Camp Master or something. So it’s probably like a Kmart stove, just one of those really basic two-burner stoves that I use for many, many years. It still works. It’s a bit rusted out, but it still works. But now I’ve got the even tempered, I don’t because I don’t need to carry gas anymore. And then I’ve got one of the little lunchbox canister stoves that was given to me as well. And I don’t really use that either. Um, seven for you. I just thought I look on your face, you go, hang on, it’s seven. But I have got a Whisper lite stove for hiking, which was I probably wouldn’t use it.

Lauren: 11:13
That’s a multi-fuel one.

Ben: 11:14
Multi-fuel, yeah. But I probably would change if I was to rehash my hiking kit. And I’ve got a really old like once again, this goes back from when I’m in scouts. It’s an old like gas stove that’s uh it sits separately from the gas, so you got the gas canister hose, and then the stove sits next to it. It’s quite a heavy one. So I’ve got five. You’ve got seven.

Lauren: 11:38
Yeah, well, I did say six, but I just realized I have a singular lunchbox butane stove that I didn’t count here. But I have an old Even temp. Um back a long, long time ago, I was married for a time. And um about 15 or 16 years ago now, I reckon, maybe actually it’s closer to 20 years ago now.

Ben: 12:01
Um we’re really airing out our laundry in this.

Lauren: 12:04
Sorry, just a bit of a get to know you, Lauren session. But a long time ago. And so for the wedding, we were given a camp stove, and it was like what the current Coleman Even temp is now, but it was what that was back then. Um and uh have an induction stove, and I have two different Jetboils, I have a Minimo and a Flash, and I have a Trangia or a Trangia, whatever, however we say it. Um, we’ve got an episode coming up with Trangia, so we’ll find out exactly what it’s called. But anyway, watch this space and my little hiking stove. I’ve had uh a few, but um, I’ve got a Soto Amicus, which I personally think is way better than a Pocket Rocket. Personally, I’ve had both, and I really love my little Soto Amicus for a hiking stove.

Ben: 12:52
They’re not as readily available in Australia, so they’re not not as widely sold.

Lauren: 12:56
No, but um Sea To Summit are the distributors, so they’ve got some really cool gear there. So, yeah, that’s a range of my stoves. I don’t think that that Coleman stove has operated in the last six years.

Ben: 13:13
So you’d probably, if you had to get rid of something, get rid of the Even temp one, but keep the others.

Lauren: 13:19
Probably. And also just because I think that um the size of it is significant, like it’s quite big. Um,

Ben: 13:31
See the the powerhouse is big, but I’ve put everything inside it, so it’s a storage box.

Lauren: 13:37
Yeah, but I think the difference with the powerhouse is that it’s quite boxy, so you could fit stuff inside it, whereas the Even temp’s quite flat, and when you shut it, there’s not a huge amount in there. And I think that if I was to um, and obviously I do a lot of campfire cooking, that is a totally separate category on my list, but if I using a gas stove, I’ve had my eye on the Genesis, the Jetboil Genesis, just purely because it’s so compact. And I also like how you can put different size pots on it and you’re not sort of limited anyway. Um, I digress, that’s not the purpose of this episode. So I think, yes, I I admittedly my Flash, my Jet boil Flash, doesn’t get a huge amount of use. The Minimo, I’m just hitting that all the time because I realize looking through this list, I don’t have a kettle.

Ben: 14:26
A kettle.

Lauren: 14:26
No kettle kettle. So I have a billy, obviously, for fire, but I don’t have a kettle because I just crank the Minimo and I have boiled water in one minute.

Ben: 14:37
Yeah, okay.

Lauren: 14:39
So um, yeah, the Minimo gets hammered. Um, the Flash, the kids use that more so um than anything. The Trangia doesn’t get a huge amount of use, but similar to your sort of scout stuff, I just have it because it just it works. You know what I mean? Like it’s nostalgic and it works.

Ben: 14:58
Yeah.

Lauren: 14:58
Um the Soto gets a bit of use because if I’m hiking, I’ll I’ll take that. The Minimo is a bit too big for me. Um, but yeah.

Wash Tubs & Ice Boxes

Ben: 15:08
Let’s um we I’ve just realized we’re like three bullet points through, and I didn’t press start, but we should probably uh keep keeping trying moving through. Easy one. Uh wash tubs. I’ve got like an old rigid round wash tub and then I’ve replaced it with a collapsible one. I don’t know why I’m keeping the rigid one. I don’t take it anyway.

Lauren: 15:25
I haven’t skipped it, and and it also takes up space. Like you can have five collapsible ones in the space of one rigid one.

Ben: 15:31
Yeah.

Lauren: 15:31
We skipped over ice boxes and eskies.

Eskies, Coolers & Fridges

Ben: 15:33
Well, no, because we’ve done different orders. So um oh, have we? I’ve done yeah. Uh I’ll go to that now. Okay. But yeah, if you’ve got collapsible buckets and stuff, just take them instead of the rigid ones, pack so much easier. Icebox es any Eskies. So I’ve got like an old Ice Mate ice box. Um Evakool, yeah. And uh yeah, Evakool, the yellow ones, the yellow ones, yeah. Uh like one of those standard like Willow or one of the supermarket brand coolers. Um, a six-pack cooler, a five-litre, I think it’s two and a half litre actually cooled ice jug. I don’t think I’ve ever actually used it. I think it came with the Esky and I’ve never used it. Um, and I’ve got a fridge. I probably just need to keep the Ice Mate ice box and the fridge. I don’t use the Ice Mate ice box that much, but it’s one of those handy to have for parties at home and stuff as well. Yeah. I mean, the others I kind of use the the jug can definitely go. The standard cooler can probably go because I’ve got a better I I use that for like if I’m popping around to someone’s house and I’ve got to take some drinks and food.

Lauren: 16:37
Yeah.

Ben: 16:38
Um, but I’ve got a better cooler bag that goes over my shoulder if I want to walk around there now. So I can and if I get rid of some of that, that’s a fair bit of extra space in my shed.

Lauren: 16:47
I have an old um 15, I reckon it’s about 15 years old, like an old Waeco Cool Ice. Um quite big. So I think that could probably go because I don’t need something that big. Um I’ve got a few, I didn’t add cooler bags, but I’ve had a few cooler bags that I’ve gotten rid of. I just have one not like large, big, I think it’s like 30-litre cooler bag or something now, which is great for trips to the beach and just like you said, going into mates’ houses or whatever. Um I have a few Coleman Eskies which I really will get rid of because I just they I don’t use them at all. I think I’m pretty sure they’re Coleman or Esky brand even. Um and I also have a dual- zone fridge which I don’t use, which is big and I hate it because it’s got some problems, and I’m not gonna say what brand it is, but I’m I’m just done. So that just sits in the corner, and I um use it as um like a weights bench because I don’t know what to do with it. Because it still works, but it doesn’t work properly, and I I don’t, it’s just a thing, and I’m just like, ugh, but it’s like I can’t throw it away because it’s actually still pretty good. But then,

Ben: 18:04
You’ve had a bad run, it’s that’s not consistent with others’ issues. I don’t know.

Lauren: 18:08
No, no, I I’m I’m not saying it is, but it’s just like I think it’s if you’re talking about gear that you want to get rid of, it’s like I should probably get rid of that because I don’t want to use it anymore and I’m done.

Ben: 18:18
It’s an expensive weights bench.

Lauren: 18:20
But it’s an expensive weights bench, but then it’s like, well, I can’t really sell it because whoever I sell it to will then probably have to put a couple of hundred bucks towards fixing a component on it. And it’s like I for what I would potentially want to sell it for. Do you know what I mean? Like, do you know what I mean?

Ben: 18:40
Yep. It’s a weights bench for now.

Lauren: 18:42
It’s a weights bench.

Ben: 18:43
I think I’ve got my chair game sorted because I did get rid of some other bulky camp chairs that I had a while ago, literally used them till they were falling off the frame. Uh, I’ve got four Helinox style, like it’s actually two older OZtrail style collapsible ones and two Helinox chairs. Yeah. And then four of the Outdoor Connection collapsed um sort of expandable stools. Yep. And I take like that that’s eight chairs that I can take that probably take up the space of two regular camping chairs in my car.

Lauren: 19:11
Yeah.

Ben: 19:11
Um the the bigger chairs are for around lounging around somewhere in the campsite and the stools fit better around a table. My kids are getting older now, so I probably don’t need them as much.

Lauren: 19:19
Yep.

Ben: 19:20
But when I need to sit around the table, the stools fit better around a small camp table.

Lauren: 19:23
Yeah.

Ben: 19:23
So I think I’ve got my chair game pretty much sorted. There’s nothing I’d get rid of there.

Lauren: 19:27
Yeah, I have an assortment of sort of quad fold moon chairs that I’ll probably get rid of because I just don’t really use them, but they are handy when you’ve got sort of people coming around to have a barbecue or you want to. Do you know what I mean? Like just having a few extra chairs is handy. Um, I do have a Helinox Zero chair for hiking, which I love. And I’ve got um we sell Wanderer chairs, not like the BCF home brand Wanderer, but the other um brand um. Yeah, it is Wanderer, isn’t it? Yeah. Yep. Um, they are uh sort of like a Helinox chair, but a more entry-level sort of economical option. I went with a bunch of those because um just Helinox obviously is an an investment, and just for sort of long-term camping, whether or not and having a bunch of kids and stuff, um, wanting something compact without that huge investment. But they will go because it’s been two or three years of using them heavily, and they’re just not they’re just they’re war, they’re well worn.

Ben: 20:35
Yep.

Lauren: 20:36
Um so I will be swapping that out for a Helinox chair, but I’m not doing that for my kids because they’re getting old enough now that they can, if that’s what they want to keep doing with their lives, then they can invest in something quality themselves.

Ben: 20:49
Yep. So I the next one I’ve got is this the next three bullet points for me kind of go into one. So I’ve sort of I’ve got this tub that’s full of stuff sacks and hiking bits and pieces and mugs that don’t fit in with my current set and a few random bowls and space blankets, and just it’s full of stuff. I probably use about 10% of what’s in the tub, but occasionally I need the other things. Um but I but I have got two tubs that I’ve got set up that like I literally grabbed them last night, put them straight in the car, and I know I’ve got everything to cook and eat with. It’s got cutlery crockery set, it’s got collapsible pot. Um, I put my my coffee kit in and my billies, it’s got a kettle in there. Uh the billies obviously packed separately, but in that I’ve I know I’ve got everything I need. What’s left in the shed is all of those bowls and things in the tub, uh, a camp oven which I’ll take in winter, but I’ve also got a cast iron fry pan and a cast iron saucepan that I’ve never used. Um what else do I have? Um There’s two billies, but I take both of those collapsible kettle. I take. Um, I think I’ve worked out I’ve got another picnic set of plates and things. There’s like 11 mugs in the mix. I’ve got a family of four. Um, so I don’t need eleven mugs. There’s a little more washing, but some of that’s for hiking. So if I go hiking, I don’t take it out of my camp kit because I like to I like to sit leave the camp kit set up. If I go hiking, I’ve got like a delta mug from Sea To Summit in my hike kit, and I’ll take that for hiking because it hasn’t got a handle and it packs easier.

Lauren: 22:32
Yeah.

Ben: 22:33
So would I get rid of some of that stuff? I don’t know. I feel like I pull the tub out and go through it and go, you know what, it all fits in the tub. Yeah. I’ll keep it because I might need it one day and I might do more hiking again when my kids aren’t taking up so much of my weekend time with sports and stuff.

Hydration Bladders & Ageing Hiking Gear

Lauren: 22:47
Yeah, I’ve got something a bit similar, which I’ve just labelled tubs of I saw that. Poop. Well, not poop. Poop with an S. Poop with an S. Yeah. Um, which is literally just similar to you, like dry bags, bladders, water cells, half-filled gas canisters, hiking bits and pieces, like cups, bowls, cutlery, pots, just odd some spare parts and other oddments, pumps. It just like I moved within the last 12 months, and the way that I had stuff sorted where I was living before that is not how I’ve got it sorted. It’s all just sort of gone in there, and I haven’t, and I just every time I walk in, I’m like, and I need something. I’m just going through these tubs and I’m like, I just need to organize it. Like I just need to get like you’ve done. I do have a tub that has camping mugs and cups and plates and what it color, whatever. But it’s not the tub’s not really big enough for all of those things and the lid doesn’t sit on property. But I do need to do, do you know what I mean? Like I just I just need to get in there and organise it. And I don’t think I would get rid of any of that stuff. It’s more just none of it’s where it needs to be, and it’s chaotic in my mind. So I will need to um need to go in and sort all of that out.

Ben: 24:13
I think some of my gear too, I’ve got old hydration bladders and that sort of thing that are about 15, 20 years old. Probably just need to get some new ones.

Lauren: 24:23
That is true. I do have um one or two older like Nathan bladders from my trail running days that are missing mouthpieces and and like then there’s a bit of hose and it’s like, well, I might need that.

Campfire Cooking Gear (Lauren’s Uncut Collection)

Ben: 24:37
Yeah. So there’s this old stuff that probably when I go start hiking again to buy it all again, I suppose. Yeah.

Lauren: 24:45
I’ve got stuff you can have.

Ben: 24:48
I’ll give you my stuff, you give me yours. Oh my god, it sounds like a trade. Yeah. Although I’m gonna end up with a lot full of shed by the looks of everything you’ve got listed here, because your campfire cooking gear is uh you’ve written a lot of camp ovens. Spun, cast iron, fire spike, bunch of accessories, standalone hot plates, saucepans, billies, trivets, Ozbraii, tub with gloves and tongs. Like I thought I was,

Lauren: 25:10
That’s just my campfire stuff. Because it’s different. It’s different.

Ben: 25:13
You do a lot of campfire cooking though.

Lauren: 25:14
Yeah, I do. In the past, you’ve yeah, well, I haven’t recently, don’t remind me, but that’s just what it’s just what I really like to do. And it’s like, you know, I recently went up to visit a friend and stayed at her farm for the weekend, and instead of staying in the house, I slept in the paddock and I had a fire, and that’s how I, you know what I mean? Like it was just nice.

Ben: 25:35
I reckon my way of minimizing or working out what I would and wouldn’t need here is I’ve got my camp kit sorted. That’s my grab and go. Everything that I need for camping for four is in these two smaller tubs. They go in my car after camp, they go in the kitchen, everything gets washed back in the tub, in the shed, ready to go for next time. That’s how I operate. Hiking, I’m not like that. So I probably need to grab another tub that is my lightweight hiking kit for one or two people, take out of my big tub, which is like a you know, like a big 50 whatever litre tub. Yeah, put in that smaller tub. If I was to go camping tomorrow, what would I take out of that? Put that in there and kind of operate out of that for a while. And then I just I’m minimizing or I’m reducing the amount of stuff that’s sitting in this big tub. And eventually I’m just gonna go, I haven’t touched that for years. I know I’ve got everything I need in here, so I can get rid of everything in that tub.

Lauren: 26:20
Part of me wonders also because like similar with hiking gear, it’s like I’m realizing that if I’m gonna go down and do the like the Deep Creek, three-day deep creek loop or whatever, or if I’m gonna go up and do an overnight or a Mambray Creek, or if I’m doing the Lara pinta this year or do the Overland Track, the actual things that I pack are different every time. Like I don’t have exactly the same kit every single time because if I’m going for a shorter amount of time, I might actually pick a different tent or a different stove that is just more convenient, but the bulk and the size doesn’t matter because I’m only going for two days. Versus if I go and do the Larapinta, which is probably like 16 days long or whatever, everything is gonna be the opposite end of that.

Ben: 27:07
Yeah.

Lauren: 27:07
So you’re sacrificing like we’re supposed to cooking.

Ben: 27:10
If you’re just doing freeze-dried food, you probably only need to take a mug.

Lauren: 27:14
Yeah, but if I’m if I’m that’s right, and that’s what for the Overland Track, I literally just took a mug. But it’s like if I’m doing Deep Creek, I actually take some Mi-goreng noodles, and because I actually cook more, whereas if I’m doing something longer than that, then I’ll just do freeze-dry. So what you yeah, yeah. So I’m like, maybe it’s just instead of a hiking tub, Benji, maybe you need a tub that’s hiking stoves, and then you need a tub that’s like hiking utensils and eating things, and then hiking mattresses, and then hiking sleeping bags, and then hiking.

Ben: 27:46
Reality is I’m just gonna leave it all in one big tub.

Lauren: 27:48
That’s fine.

Ben: 27:49
Okay, the next one’s interesting.

Lauren: 27:51
Uh I wouldn’t get it rid of any of my campfire gear. Even if I didn’t go camping and campfire cooking for like the next three or four years, I’m not getting rid of that. My nana is like coming up to 80, and she still uses what she used 60 years ago, so it’s staying.

Ben: 28:06
You pass it on.

Lauren: 28:06
Fine. Plus, you can kill zombies in the apocalypse with the fry pan.

Ben: 28:12
Is that what you need for zombies?

Lauren: 28:14
Yeah, and your fire spike. Anyway.

Lights & Lanterns: Time for an Upgrade

Ben: 28:17
Next one’s interesting. Lights. Now, lights is an easy one. If you haven’t camped for a while, I can guarantee you can take your your lanterns and stuff that you had from, say, 10 or 15 years ago and replace that with something far more compact and powerful. Okay, uh the hot cross buttons that I don’t think an episode has been passed that we haven’t mentioned these things. Little pack of lights. I went to pack last night for this camping trip. That’s all I put in. Oh, it’s no, sorry, I do have a Hangdome for the for the tent as well because it glows and the kids kind of like that little bit of glow.

Lauren: 28:48
Yeah, that’s cool.

Ben: 28:49
Um, so I but the whole lot fits in about this much space. Whereas I used to have a lantern that was that big and gave off crappy light, and I had to carry that from place to place. And then I had the 12-volt bar lights, which are really cool if you want to light up a big area, but to do it night after night, if you’re putting it down and taking it up, you’ve got wires. So you can probably reduce the amount of space your lights take up in storage and in your vehicle significantly with the LED rechargeable lights that are available nowadays.

Lauren: 29:21
Totally. Like I’ve got string lights, um uh like fairy, like not camping specific, but I’ve got fairy lights, but I’ve got camping specific string lights, I’ve got solar rechargeable lights, I’ve got head torches, I’ve got Zempire Hangdome, and I’ve got hot cross buns.

Ben: 29:35
Head torches, you can’t have enough head torches.

Lauren: 29:37
You can’t, and that’s I’ve actually got a dedicated tub for head torches, got a few. I have got some of them are quite old, like some of them are 10 plus years old and they still work.

Ben: 29:46
Yeah, I’ve got some that just have been through the ringer and they’re starting to die, and I’ve just started to replace them with some new ones.

Lauren: 29:52
Yeah.

Ben: 29:52
Um, my old, I have an old um, it’s a Coleman um I think what they were called, the white ones that had the twist base.

Lauren: 29:60
Oh, yeah, they’re old, those ones.

Sleeping Mats: The Foam Era Is Over

Ben: 30:02
Um and the light wasn’t great off it. Did the job was really good when it had it and was compact. Yeah, that just sits inside my house now for emergency you know, power outages and stuff. I don’t use that for camping anymore. Yeah. But I’ve replaced that with something that’s uh quarter the size, yeah, which gives 10 times more light at least. Um, mats. Now this is an interesting one. So I’ve got a double 10 centimetre mat that sits in my swag and two eight centimetre thick single hike mats. So there might be five or eight, I can’t be five centimetre thick that are for the kids, which is enough for a smaller body to sleep quite comfortably on, and that fits across our RV5, and that’s pretty much all I use. But I also have my old swag mat that was in the swag, just rolled up next to the swag that I never yeah, the foam that I never use. Um,

Lauren: 30:47
Seriously, get rid of it.

Ben: 30:49
Two single foam OZtrail mats, and then two Thermarests, which are once again, you buy good stuff and you hiking ones? Hiking ones, yeah. Like I bought it 15 plus years ago. Yeah. 20 years ago. No, it’d be more than that, I reckon. Still does the job. The old orange therm, um, there’s an orange and a pink one. My wife and I’ve got one and still 3.8 centimetre thick hike mats that I’ve never even got a hole. No, I’ve got a few holes in one, I think, but not many. Still does the job. Like, I’ll just keep using it. Yeah. Um, so I’d keep them, but I think I need to get rid of if I get rid of the double foam mat and the two foam, like the OZtrail Camp mats, those, those just it’s just a foam thing with a cover over it. That’s a fair bit of space that I’ve saved.

Lauren: 31:29
Definitely. Yeah, I think they um the era of those mats is long since passed. I don’t think there’s really any reason other than affordability because you can pick one up for like 20 bucks. There’s no real reason to have them.

Ben: 31:45
Yeah.

Lauren: 31:45
But yeah, I’ve got um sleeping mats wise, I’ve got a couple of doubles just collected over the many years, and also for kids’ sleepovers and things, it’s good to have a good quality camp mat. Um, and also um, you know, anyway. Um, I’m not gonna excuse it. Um and yeah, I’ve got a uh um the the two main ones in rotation is I’ve got a very old Exped um which is still gets heavily used, but we have to pump it up now because it’s the foam is like well tired, but um when it’s in inflated, it’s lovely. I’ve got a um Sea To Summit Comfort Deluxe, which I really love. You’ve got a lot of mats. And then I’ve got a bunch of hiking mats. I think it’s a lot of mats.

Ben: 32:35
Who’s got the issue here?

Lauren: 32:36
But I do there’s lots of lots of people. I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know. Just don’t don’t ask me questions.

Ben: 32:42
Right. Let’s move on to packs and bags because I’ve got in a this is stored inside my house.

Sleeping Bags

Lauren: 32:49
How many sleeping bags do you have?

Ben: 32:51
Oh, sleeping bags, sorry, I skipped that one.

Lauren: 32:53
I’m not gonna talk about that. I’m just gonna say I have a range of hiking and camping options and leave it at that.

Ben: 32:60
Not gonna count. Okay. You got more kids than me. So my sleeping bags, I’ve got four down bags. Two of them are high quality Mont bags, two older, like Kathmandu down bags that still do the job. Um two lightweight synthetic bags that are like compact synthetic things One Planet um for summer hiking.

Lauren: 33:20
One Planet is a good brand.

Ben: 33:21
Yeah. Uh and the kids have got uh a bulkier, Coleman one for like sleepovers and stuff. What’s that one, two, three, four, eight sleeping bags?

Lauren: 33:32
Yeah.

Ben: 33:33
But I you probably use all of those. I I haven’t used the hiking ones recently because I haven’t been on enough hiking trips, but maybe one day I will again. Um so I think I’ve got a good range there.

Lauren: 33:43
I’ve got a good range.

Ben: 33:44
I wouldn’t get rid of any of those.

Lauren: 33:45
And a lot of them do get used. But it’s like I just the thing that I I don’t like is a camping hybrid bag. Like I think if I was happy with a hybrid camping hiking bag, then that would probably solve a lot of my issues, but I’m not. So there’s a range of camping bags, and then there’s a range of hiking bags.

Ben: 34:04
Yeah. I should also premise that in my swag, I’ve just got a doona in sheets. So I don’t use a sleeping bag in my swag.

Lauren: 34:11
I should also probably say that when I go camping, I just use a doona.

Packs & Bags: From Kokoda to School Camp

Ben: 34:17
You’re really airing the laundry out of here. Uh, packs and bags. So this is backpacks, etc. Well, mainly backpacks that I’ve gone with. So now these take up a lot of space in my cupboard inside, keeping them for that hope that one day I’ll do more hiking again. But we’ve each got a an old.

Lauren: 34:33
Yeah, yours is um your list here is a bit of a a uh interesting one.

Ben: 34:40
So two large Osprey 60, 70 litre packs that we’ve had since we first my wife bought them when we did the Kokoda track many, many years ago. Back when I was young. I then bought a 60 litre One Planet, really simple. It’s called a WBA, which stands for Weights Bugger All Pack. It’s basically a good harness with a canvas sack.

Lauren: 34:59
Pretty sure I remember those.

Ben: 35:01
That’s what I would use predominantly nowadays, but I might need to update the previous hiking stuff to make sure I can fit everything in a smaller pack. Because I wouldn’t want to jam 60 litres. What do you mean?

Lauren: 35:11
60 litres is a good size hiking pack.

Ben: 35:13
I want to get it smaller than that, I reckon. It’s a good size, yeah, but I wouldn’t want to be packing it really tightly.

Lauren: 35:18
No, I think I do uh my pack’s a 50 litre. 50 that goes up to 60.

Ben: 35:24
This is just 60 straight out.

Lauren: 35:25
Yeah.

Ben: 35:25
Then I got a 35 45 litre Berghaus, which I got in the days when I was doing solo like stuff in in central Oz. I really didn’t need to carry much other than a tarp and uh and a mat with me. Uh and then 10 plus day pack variants, which just over the years, I don’t know, deals are kind of like, that’s pretty, yeah. I’ll grab that pack because it’s only like 20 bucks or 40 bucks, and and or sometimes we’ve got freebies along the way. I’ve got um a Zempire, they they made this range of like they didn’t sell them, that was just a sample thing that they had, and it’s a canvas bag, really simple, nothing flush. I use it for heaps of stuff though, it’s really useful. Um, and I’ve got this and my my work backpack, and then I’ve now got a Sea To Summit um duffel. Or did you end up with one? I love that, yeah. That’s what I live out of, pretty much those three bags. And then there’s this massive pile of other bags that are there just in case we need them that occasionally get pulled out. My wife’s got some in there as well, so could probably get rid of a fair few bags in there, I reckon. Because when you pull them out, like when you use them, you think, oh yeah, I’m using the bag. Then you put it away and you pull it out later and you go, geez, that’s looking worse for wear. Yeah, I know what you mean. I looked at it for a while.

Lauren: 36:41
Like the inside of the bag is peeling away.

Ben: 36:43
Yeah, there’s sweat marks all over it, and yeah, so I could probably get rid of a fair few packs and make some space.

Lauren: 36:48
Yeah, I recently got rid of some packs and like a North Face one that had was the inside was peeling away.

Ben: 36:54
Yeah.

Lauren: 36:54
Um, but I’ve got a few duffel packs, they’re like a Black Wolf duffel pack that folds up and packs inside itself. I find them really handy because they just stay in the shed. So when we’re going camping and we just need some big bags, but I did get the 90-litre ones, and nobody wants to share bags with other people. So the 90 litres is actually way too big. Um, and it they end up sort of being a bit floppy, so I don’t really like them from that side of things.

Ben: 37:20
I’ve got a 90-litre Mont cargo bag, same sort of thing. I had it full of my climbing gear when I was in to climbing and it was good because it fit all my climbing gear and I just take out what I needed for each trip. Yeah. Or you could lug the whole thing in and out.

Lauren: 37:32
Yeah.

Ben: 37:33
But I’ve tried to use it for surf and I’ve tried to use it for other things, and it’s just floppy. It’s just this big.

Lauren: 37:37
Because it’s designed to pack up small and tiny, right? Pack back into itself. So that’s the same. And it’s like they’re great bags, but it’s like, unless you are maxing out the capacity, they’re just really difficult to manage and handle.

Ben: 37:49
I reckon the best use I’ve had is one when my daughter had a party, she wanted to take a heap of sporting stuff with her, put all basketballs, cricket gear, and everything in there. Secondly, when my older daughter went on school camp, uh, and everything was going in a trailer, but she had like pillows, sleeping bag,

Lauren: 38:03
Put it all in there.

Ben: 38:04
All went in this bag and she was going, it’s not cool. And I’m going, seriously, it’s gonna make things so much easier.

Lauren: 38:10
Too bad, too sad.

Ben: 38:11
She loved it by the end because she’s like, she rocks up and she’s got one bag with everything in it. Everyone else has got like a bag with a handle and the pillow stuffed in the top, and it’s getting thrown the pillows getting. She’s just got one bag full of stuff. She loved it. So and it’ll last forever. So that’s one thing I would keep because it’s useful when I need it.

Lauren: 38:27
Yeah, I’ve got five of them. I just need one. So yeah. But it fits in like a 50-litre tub, anyway. Um, yeah, and I’ve got similar to you, I’ve got a few hiking bags like Lowe Alpine um Deuter. My main pack is like an Exped, like a lightweight Exped. I’ve got a couple of Osprey bags. Um yeah. But I feel like most of my bags, I do use them. I don’t have any like from ages ago. And it’s like I do have a couple of different hiking bags, but they’re the ones like even though you know, if I go camping, I’ve got my bag. But if I want to go with a friend and now I don’t have a pack, so I’ve got a pack. So, you know, I’ve got a spare pack you can use. So that’s why I’ve sort of kept there. And then sometimes if the kids are like, I want to go on a hike with you, then I’m like, cool, just there you go.

Ben: 39:22
Yeah.

Lauren: 39:22
So I so I don’t know if I’d get rid of any of them.

Ben: 39:25
My first pack when I was in Scouts was a really simple, had like two thin aluminium frames down the back like this, or stays. Can’t remember what brand it was. It was grey and green. And I used to work in a little shop in Alice Springs called Lone Dingo. And we did a display in there once, and I had just moved because we moved this bag around the country. I went, why don’t it’s kind of got this old kind of look about it. So we hung it in the shop there, and that’s where it started.

Lauren: 39:48
I actually feel like I have seen that bag.

Ben: 39:51
Have you in in Alice Springs?

Lauren: 39:53
Yeah. Well, I reckon, I reckon I have I’ve been to Alice Springs a lot of times in my life, and I have been to Lone Dingo, and I reckon that I reckon I might have seen it.

Why Our Sheds Look Like This

Ben: 40:02
Oh, well, it’s the shop’s moved since I was working there, but we had a display with that in there. So Simon still owns the shop. Love that. So if you’re up there, have a look, see if my backpack’s still hanging up in there anyway. Anyway, that’s you know what?

Lauren: 40:13
This has become not uh what do you what do I have that I don’t want to get rid of, but probably should have. It’s probably less of that. And this is all of the that we own. Excuse my language. Um, beep that out.

Ben: 40:25
Just the word we tried didn’t avoid so avoid earlier.

Lauren: 40:28
Um and uh trying to validate each other.

Ben: 40:34
Why we should not throw it out.

Lauren: 40:36
Yeah, it’s fine, keep it.

Ben: 40:38
It’s clearly not a well thought out episode.

Lauren: 40:40
I also I there’s a part of me also that maybe feels like we’re just sitting here talking about all of the crap we’ve got and how that might sound like super wanky at the same time. Do you know what I mean? Like we’ve got all this gear, whereas there might be some people out there who were like kill to have the gear that we have. But we’re just purely I feel like it’s just purely the luck of well not the luck, but the fortunateness. I don’t know what the word is I’m thinking of. The I think the privilege of working in this industry, right? Because I’ve worked in this industry before I had kids, and then I had kids and did other things, and then I’m back. So a lot of that gear has been acquired because I’ve I can acquire it. Like I’ve got, I’ve got, sorry to interrupt you again, but I’ve got five hiking mats. And two of those I have won from Sea To Summit at one of their like massive promotion events in a raffle. So it’s not that do you know what I mean? Like if I wasn’t in this industry, I wouldn’t have this much gear.

Ben: 41:49
I reckon there was more of that back in the day as well, plus the discounts. We you do get pro deals and that sort of thing, but it’s not quite often I look at a pro deal nowadays and I’m like, I might just buy it from Snowys because by the time I pay for it and everything, it’s really not that much difference than what a customer would pay out of the shop.

Lauren: 42:06
So there’s not that much in it.

Ben: 42:08
Occasionally there’s freebies that come up, but I do look at the gear on my shelf and I look and I go, I could jump on that. Do I really need that? Or is it going to be on this list here one day where I go, yeah, I grabbed that because it was free one day, but I never actually needed it. Yeah.

Lauren: 42:20
So I know exactly what you mean.

Ben: 42:22
So I I certainly don’t buy just there’s a lot of stuff. If if I bought everything because I’ve gone, that’s cool, I’d I’d need another shed, Um,

Lauren: 42:31
Yeah, everything on my list. I know everything on my list I have acquired with intention.

Ben: 42:38
Yeah.

Lauren: 42:39
It’s not just like, yeah. So it’s like it’s things that I’ve actively used and love using. But I think also to tie it in with that as well, is that the reason why you and I are sitting here is because our sheds look like this. But do you know what I mean? I think because I think like out of a lot of the people, even a lot of people we work with, we’ve got a really long history of actively using and interacting and owning different types of gear and yeah, doing different types of activities. So trying different things, trying different things.

Ben: 43:12
So we can actually probably one of the main intents that I’ve bought stuff is for that that I’ve just gone, you know what, I might, I might get that and try it because then I can talk about it with the community.

Lauren: 43:23
Yeah, and admittedly, I’ve sort of done some stuff like that in the past as well. Like this is something that everybody seems to be liking or it’s gaining in popularity. I’m gonna get it. Yeah just because I want to use it and work out work it out work out about it and you know, have good information.

Ben: 43:40
I only bought the hot cross button lights because because of all the talk about them and me going, I probably should I talk about it all the time.

Lauren: 43:46
I should actually recent acquisition for you, right?

Ben: 43:49
Like last year. Yeah.

Lauren: 43:50
I mean I’ve had mine for about three years, I think now.

Ben: 43:53
I didn’t need it because I’ve got lighting. I’ve just got better lighting.

Lauren: 43:56
Yeah.

Wrap-Up & Join the Conversation

Ben: 43:57
Yeah. Anyway, that’s our list. Let us know what you’ve got. Have a look at your your gear list.

Lauren: 44:02
It might surprise you though as well. Because I was like, I don’t have that much. And then you write it out and then you write it out and you’re like, I can have a lot more space in my shed here.

Ben: 44:12
Feel free to air out your laundry. Let us know what’s in your shed or your storage cupboard that’s um excessive.

Lauren: 44:19
Make us feel less alone.

Ben: 44:21
Yeah. We’ve heard out ours. And now over to you. But um, yeah, so comments in the YouTube comments below on our Facebook group, Snowys Camping Banter. Um, and don’t forget to subscribe. But that’s it for this episode. We’ll catch you all next time. Catch you later.

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of the Snowys Camping Show Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pocket Casts, or Podcast Addict so you never miss an upload.

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep 201 – What We Should Get Rid Of…But Don’t appeared first on Snowys Blog.

How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag

Simon Inverarity — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:42:00 +0000

A cosy night’s sleep under the stars is wonderful – but in the harsh and variable Australian climate, ‘cosy’ can be hard to achieve without the right sleeping bag. Sleeping bags can be an expensive purchase, but if treated well can last and perform well for many years. Ensuring you purchase the right sleeping bag for all your outdoor activities is important. This blog will discuss how to choose between down and synthetics, the features to look for in a sleeping bag, and how to treat your new bag to ensure sufficient warmth for years to come.

In general, there are two types of sleeping bag fill available on the market: down and synthetic. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to weigh up these factors before making your choice.

Ready to shop? See our pick of the best sleeping bags for 2026 here — including top picks for hiking, camping, kids, couples, and cold weather.

Down-Filled Sleeping Bags

Down is the breast feathers of birds, and the traditional filling for sleeping bags. Most quality down is from ducks and geese, collected from their nests after it falls off the bird. Or, in some cases, it’s a by-product of the food processing industry.

The quality of down is measured by fill power. This is basically a measure of how much the down will ‘fluff up’ when in use, measured in cubic inches per ounce. Generally, a low end down sleeping bag or quilt will be approximately 400, while the top of the range can reach as high as 950. The higher the number the more the downs ability to ‘fluff up’. To paint it in simple terms, if a container requires 10 grams of 600 loft down to fill it up, it may only need 5 grams of 950 lift down to fill the same space.

Advantages of down for sleeping bags

The main advantages of down are the warmth per weight, and longevity. Generally, down bags can be half the weight of a comparatively warm synthetic bag, and compress much further. This means less weight on your back if you are hiking, and less to cart around camp from the car. They also have a longer lifespan.

A down bag will keep filling and stay warm for years, even with regular use. A synthetic bag will eventually lose its warmth. Some sources suggest a down bag will last two to three times as long as an equivalent synthetic bag.

Disadvantages of down for sleeping bags

The overwhelming disadvantage of down is its performance when wet. A soggy down bag will only retain about 10% of its warmth, and takes a lot of drying. More modern down is treated to resist moisture, but this is more to manage small amounts of moisture i.e. condensation.

Down is also generally more expensive as an initial purchase. However, the long-life of a down bag means it will generally be cheaper in the long term. Down bags are a long-term purchase that may be unwarranted for some applications such as school camps, or if they are only being used occasionally for local summer holidays. However, if you expect to use them regularly over a long period of time, they are definitely a worthwhile investment.

Synthetic-Filled Sleeping Bags

Synthetic sleeping bags are a more modern alternative to down, and always improving. The fill is a polyester microfibre that can be compressed, then ‘fluffs up’ to provide insulation when released.

Generally the greater the mass of synthetic measured in grams per square metre (gsm), the warmer it will be. However, it will be heavier as well. As the quality of the synthetic fill is improving all the time, synthetic sleeping bags are becoming both lighter and warmer.

Synthetic fillers vary widely, with most manufacturers having their own specific type of fill. This means there is no standard for the quality of the filler. However, these manufacturers make their name on quality – so if the filling is poor, the company is probably on the way out.

Advantages of Synthetic Sleeping Bags

The main advantages of synthetic bags are both their performance when wet, and the initial cost. Synthetic bags will retain about 50% of their dry performance when wet, which is far better than down bags. Synthetic bags also dry out quicker. That said, always endeavour to keep your sleeping bag dry.

Synthetic bags are considerably cheaper than down bags too, at most levels of performance. They’re a good starting point if you don’t want to make a large long-term investment.

Disadvantages of Synthetic Sleeping Bags

Unfortunately, synthetic bags don’t last as long as down bags, they lose warmth as the synthetic breaks down, but given their lower price you still get your dollars worth of use out of them, you just ned up replacing it sooner, especially if used regularly.

Synthetic bags are also heavier and bulkier than down bags for their equivalent temperature ratings, especially for extreme conditions. They’re generally best for car camping or local holidays, where weight and bulk are of minimal concern, and where low cost is important.

Synthetic-filled bags are great for kids who either grow out of bags quickly or need something for school camps – but generally not as good as down bags for hiking, unless you expect to get very wet!

Want more detail to help choose between down and synthetic sleeping bags, read out Down vs Synthetic Guide here >>

Which Sleeping Bag Shell Fabrics Are Best

Match your sleeping bag to your activity, shell fabrics consist of everything from heavy duty canvas to ultralight polyester.

A wet or torn sleeping bag performs badly, consider the durability of the shell and match it with your activity. Ultralight bags are made with weight as the fore-feature and may not be as suitable for rougher 4WD adventures as a cotton canvas shell.
You don’t need waterproof breathable membranes or fabrics waterproof unless you expect to sleep in a river (it happens, believe me). Sleeping bags are full of stitching and are not waterproof by design anyway. That said, some water resistance will go a long way towards improving the performance of the bag especially in the foot area where it can touch the end of the tent.
Most fabrics used in sleeping bags are very light and strong – but look for any obvious signs of wear and tear each time you use the bag, and fix them as soon as you can.
The quality of filling is a big factor. The higher the quality, the better the warmth per weight in both synthetic and down filling. Generally, go as high as you can afford – but ensure you know what you are looking at. Some of the numbers quoted can be deceiving.

Sleeping Bag Design Considerations

Unless you are going for weight savings over comfort, a full-length zipped bag is a good idea.

A zip can make a sleeping bag much more versatile. Unzipping the bag will prevent sweltering on a warm night, while zipping it up will keep you warmer when it’s cold.
A hood will keep your head warm and improve heat retention, and mummy contoured or tapered designs can help prevent the heat escaping from around your body.
Some bags have zips across the feet, to allow for versatility. Others have this as a sealed section, often on alpine style bags to make it more efficient.
Make sure to choose the design that suits your requirements best, crawl in the bag and ensure you have the shoulder and hip space you need to be comfortable. Tapered lightweight bags will generally be closer fitting around your body, square shaped bags for camping offer much more wiggle room.

By considering these points, your sleeping bag will keep you warm and give you a good night’s sleep, year after year.

Still concerned about feeling cold? Read our Top Tips For A Warmer Sleep here >>

Caring for Your Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags are generally a simple piece of gear, however they require some basic care to keep them in top shape.

When you don’t need your bag compressed, leave it loose. Most bags come with a large bag for storage and a small bag for compression. If you don’t have one of these larger bags, hang your sleeping bag in a closet, store it in a pillow case, or at least leave the compression straps as loose as you can.

Keep it Dry!

Down loses 90% of its warmth when wet, and synthetics lose 50%. So make sure you leave your bag out to dry before storing it. As well as degrading the performance, a wet sleeping bag is a warm, moist environment – perfect for bacteria!

The place a sleeping bag is most likely to get wet when not in use is in your pack, or just out in the open. If you can find a waterproof sack, this can help to keep the sleeping bag dry – if not, I highly recommend keeping your sleeping bag inside a dry sack if you are expecting any rain.

Use a Liner Wherever Possible

Using a liner or wearing clothes in a sleeping bag will avoid the need to wash the bag. Using a liner can also add warmth; a simple cotton or a silk liner can add a few degrees to most sleeping bags, while some technical liners can add up to (an albeit ambitious) 15 degrees.

Washing your Sleeping Bag

Cleaning a sleeping bag can be a daunting task (especially for down bags), and should be avoided where possible. It is possible to have down sleeping bags professionally washed; contact either a local manufacturer or an outdoor store for advice on who to contact in your area.

Synthetic sleeping bags can be machine washed at low temperatures, on a delicate setting using a mild soap and a lot of rinsing. Generally, its recommended to follow the washing instructions on the bag, as they can vary – however, don’t use bleaches. Never iron or dry-clean the bag either, and always allow plenty of time to dry.

Down bags should really be hand-washed to prevent damage, you will probably need to use a bath. Fill it with warm water and add down wash. Submerge the bag, jostle it around, and squeeze it to move the soap through. Leave to soak for 30-40 minutes, then move it around in the water again to further move the soap through.

Let the water out of the bath and, without lifting out of the bath, squeeze the water from the bag (if you lift the bag, the weight of the soaked down can cause the internal baffles to tear). Refill the bath with warm water, and move the bag about to rinse out any excess soap. You will likely need to repeat this step several times to ensure you’ve ridded the bag of all soap.

Once rinsed, squeeze the bag out into the bath and allow to dry. This may take several days, however it is vital that the bag is totally dry before used or stored.

For more detail on washing your down bag, check out our full guide here >>

Wrap Up

Caring for a sleeping bag is a simple and quick process. With correct care, your sleeping bag will keep you warm for a long time.

Sleeping bags can be a major purchase, however they are vital for a good night’s sleep. Choosing between down and synthetic bags can be difficult if you are on a budget – so just make sure you look into where and how you intend to use it. As mentioned, they can often be worth a large initial investment for both long-term performance and the joy of a good night’s sleep!

Now you know what to look for, see our top sleeping bag picks for 2026 — or browse the full sleeping bag range at Snowys.

The post How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep 200 – Guess the Sound, Win the Gear (Also, Lauren Was Hangry)

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:03:05 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

200 Episodes, 5 Secret Sounds, and a Whole Lot of Gear to Give Away!

It’s our 200th episode — and we’re celebrating the milestone with something a little different… A Secret Sound! Ben and Lauren reflect on five years, four studios, and nearly a million YouTube views, before diving into the stats (you’ve listened to us for 150,000 hours!), the standout episodes, and the moments that have made the Snowys Camping Show what it is today.

From the ghost camping crackdown that sparked 300+ comments, to the interviews that stuck with them most — it’s a look back at the people, the gear, and the banter that’s kept the conversation going for 200 episodes strong. Be it a JetBoil Trail Cook 2.0, a Sea To Summit sleeping mat or the Cybertake Air Conditioner grand prize up for grabs — listen in, guess the sounds, and you could be walking away with some seriously good gear!

Celebrating Our 200th Episode

Entries have closed!

Still want to play along? First watch or listen to the secret sounds in episode 200 above, then come back to see the answers revealed in the video below.

Entries closed 30th April, 2026.

Shortcuts:

0:00 – Welcome to Episode 200!
2:01 – Introducing the Secret Sound competition and how to enter
5:01 – Show stats – nearly 1 million YouTube views and 150,000 hours watched
7:07 – Most viewed episode of all time (Ep. 78 — Australian Camp Oven Festival)
7:40 – Most commented episode – the ghost camping crackdown
8:28 – Ben and Lauren’s favourite episodes and guests
13:50 – Our cameraman Larry (doesn’t) show his face on camera
14:25 – How the giveaway is going to work
19:38 – Prize 1: Cybertech S2 Portable Air Conditioner & Heater
21:19 – Secret Sound #1 – guess to win!
23:08 – Prize 2: Sea to Summit Circuit Down Sleeping Bag (-9°)
24:35 – Secret Sound #2 – guess to win!
26:22 – Prize 3: Gerber Complete Cook Set
30:35 – Secret Sound #3 – guess to win!
32:48 – Prize 4: Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Double Sleeping Mat
36:52 – Secret Sound #4 – guess to win!
37:49 – Prize 5: JetBoil Trail Cook 2.0
41:30 – Secret Sound #5 – guess to win!
42:33 – All 5 sounds played back-to-back
44:20 – How to enter – comment by April 30, 2026, winners announced on Star Wars Day!

The prizes:

Sound 1 Prize – Cybertake S2 Pro Air Conditioner & Heater
Sound 2 Prize – Sea To Summit Circuit -9 Degree Sleeping Bag
Sound 3 Prize – Gerber Compleat Dinner Set
Sound 4 Prize – Sea To Summit Comfort Deluxe Double Sleeping Mat
Sound 5 Prize – Jetboil TrailCook 2.0 Stove

The sounds:

Special mention to these brands for the prizes in this episode:

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep 200 – Guess the Sound, Win the Gear (Also, Lauren Was Hangry) appeared first on Snowys Blog.

How to Pack a Sleeping Bag

Ben Collaton — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:30:00 +0000

To stuff or to roll, that is the question!

Whether your sleeping bag has a down or synthetic fill, the action is the same… stuff it!

Let’s guide you through a step-by-step process for packing your sleeping bag. We’ve intentionally chosen two very different types of bag to help you understand that this method is suitable regardless of whether yours is a camping sleeping bag or something a little more technical for expeditions and multi-day hiking.

Entry-level or top of the range, synthetic fill or down, and irrespective of its temperature comfort rating, we still recommend the stuffing method! The only exception is canvas sleeping bags that generally come with a zippered bag, or roll up with straps similar to a swag.

For all other sleeping bags, the important thing to remember is to avoid folding or rolling which can create ‘sheets’ of fill that inhibit future lofting and over time, can break it down. Stuffing creates an irregular folding pattern that is unique each time you pack your sleeping bag away. This reduces the risk of tension within your bag and means it’ll loft up better when you use it next time.

You’ll be full of smiles using the ‘stuff’ method. Image: OZtrail

The stuffing method requires a certain degree of assertion. You want to be forceful without putting pressure on any seams or stitching. It’s also a good idea to remove any rings or sharp bits – there’s no fun to be had if a rogue fingernail snags your outer fabric, or if that nobbly bit on your watch catches on the seam.

Although both synthetic bags and down bags enlist the same action, the process for each ever so slightly differs. Let’s start with…

Synthetic sleeping bags

For this example, we’ve chosen the Essential 5°C Sleeping Bag from Black Wolf. A brand-new bag will be very tightly rolled so you want to teach that inner fill how to breathe in deeply and hold that air!

Grab the inside foot of your sleeping bag.

Step 1

Have your compression sack nearby, open and ready to grab.
With one arm, reach inside your bag and with your other arm, meet the inside hand at the foot of the sleeping bag on the outside.
Grab your sleeping bag and scrunch it together.

Maintain a firm hold on the sack.

Step 2

Keep a grip on the gathered foot end of your sleeping bag with the inside hand while you grab your compression sack.
Without being too rough, push the handful right down to the bottom of the bag.
As you stuff the foot into the base of the sack, you want to make sure you’re pushing right down to the bottom of the bag because if you short cut this at the start, you’ll be on the back foot and have to work harder to get the last of your bag into the sack once you get to the top.

Compact your sleeping bag to the bottom of your compression sack right from the start.

Step 3

Once the base of your sack has been filled, some people like to secure it between their feet, with the remainder of the sleeping bag bunched under their arm. Go with whatever works for you, so long as the base stays put while you continue to feed the bag into the sack, squishing as you go. Don’t be afraid to make it a whole-body movement!
Holding one hand on the opening of your sack, continue using your other hand to grab bunches of the bag and punch them as far down into the sack as you can.
It’s helpful for the hand that’s on the outer to gently pull upwards to assist the other hand downwards.

Support the sack with your knee or between your feet.

Step 4

Keep punching the rest of the bag down into the compression sack, pivoting the sack as you go to spread the bulk and create an even stuffing.
Similar to how you began, try to get each punch and your fist as far down to the bottom of the sack as you can.

Use your fists to hold the sleeping bag down.

Step 5

Work your way around, supporting and twisting as you go, until the last of the bag is inside the sack.
Use your fists to hold the sleeping bag down, then relieve one hand for Step 6.

The toggle will help keep the opening pulled in.

Step 6

While the fist of one hand pushes against the sleeping bag closest to the top of your compression sack, use your free hand to scoop up the drawstring and pull the cord to tighten the top and create the gathered closure.
Secure the toggle into place as tightly as you can to the closed end.

Make sure your compression straps are not twisted before you fit the cap into place.

Step 7

Most compression sacks have a cap that can be moved into place over the top.
Fit this into place, making sure the straps of your compression sack aren’t twisted and have been released from buckles, plus loosened off.
Depending on your activity and space requirements, you can pull the straps down to compress your sleeping bag even further or tighten the straps off just enough to secure the cap but not necessarily completely squish the bag.

If you want or need to reduce the size of your pack, then you can use your body weight by placing one of your knees on top of the sack and tightening off the compression straps. Avoid tightening too much though, as the strain may weaken the stitching of your sack and stress the buckles.

If space is limited, you can compress your packed sleeping bag using the compression straps.

Down sleeping bag

When stuffing a down bag, you must take a little bit more care because of the extra fabric and baffles inside.

Here we’re jumping way up to the other end of the scale and using one of the high-end bags from our range, the Spark SP4 Sleeping Bag from Sea to Summit. Regardless of which bag you have or how much it cost, you want to take care of it as best you can. But if you’re investing some serious dosh into a specialised expedition bag, then you want to do everything possible to maintain its quality and longevity.

Most high-end down sleeping bags will come with both a compression sack and a loose-fitting bag for storage.

Step 1

Have your compression sack nearby, open and ready to grab.
Use one arm to reach deep inside your bag, grab the foot and in a dual movement with your other hand on the opening of your sleeping bag, flip the whole thing inside out.

Down sleeping bags often have a waterproof coating on their outer fabric which inhibits their breathability when packing and during storage, so turning it inside out means your sleeping bag will be able to breathe.

Once the down sleeping bag is inside out, you can begin stuffing.

Step 2

From here, the process is very much the same as what you do for a synthetic bag. However, down bags do tend to stuff and squish more easily, you’ve just got to show that air who’s boss!

With your bag inside out, reach one arm inside your bag and work its way to the foot.
Meet the inside hand at the foot of the sleeping bag with your free hand on the outside.
Grab your sleeping bag and scrunch it together with your inside hand.

Fill the base of your compression sack as much as possible.

Step 3

Once the base of your sack has been filled, some people like to secure it between their feet, with the remainder of the sleeping bag bunched under their arm. Go with whatever works for you, so long as the base stays put while you continue to feed the bag into the sack, squishing as you go. Don’t be afraid to make it a whole-body movement!
Holding one hand on the opening of your sack, continue using your other hand to grab bunches of the bag and punch them as far down into the sack as you can.
It’s helpful for the hand that’s on the outer to gently pull upwards to assist the other hand downwards.

Double action stuffing! One hand opens and pulls the sack upward, while the other punches the bag down to the bottom.

Step 4

Holding one hand on the opening of your sack, continue using your other hand to grab bunches of the bag and punch them as far down into the sack as you can.
It’s helpful for the hand that’s on the outer to gently pull upwards to assist the other hand downwards.
Keep punching the rest of the bag down into the compression sack, pivoting the sack as you go to spread the bulk and create an even stuffing.
Like how you began, try to get each punch and your fist as far down to the bottom of the sack as you can.

Down sleeping bags are easier to pack than synthetic varieties.

Step 5

Work your way around, supporting and twisting as you go, until the last of the bag is inside the sack.
Use your fist to hold the sleeping bag down and relieve your other hand for Step 6.

Keep squishing the bag down into your sack while pulling the drawstring.

Step 6

While the fist of one hand pushes against the sleeping bag closest to the top of your compression sack, use your free hand to scoop up the drawstring and pull the cord to tighten the top and create the gathered closure.
Secure the toggle into place as tightly as you can to the closed end.

The cap protects the toggle and gathered opening of your compression sack.

Step 7

Most compression sacks have a cap that can be moved into place over the top.
Fit this into place, making sure the straps of your compression sack aren’t twisted and have been released from the buckles, and loosened off.

Avoid pulling your compression straps too tightly.

Step 8

Depending on your activity and space requirements, you can pull the straps down to compress your sleeping bag even further or tighten the straps off just enough to secure the cap but not necessarily completely squish the bag.

Storage bags allow your sleeping bag to breathe and keep the fill lofted.

A note on storage

Most down bags come with 2 different sacks – one for when you’re hiking or camping and you need to keep your gear compact and minimal. The other is a loose-fitting, zippered storage bag to house your sleeping bag between trips.

Down bags are best stored inside out and uncompressed. Using a loose-fitting breathable bag allows the down to remain lofted and keeps things dry and fresh. Most quality down bags will come with a cotton or mesh storage sack that will accommodate the bag in a loosely packed fashion. If your bag does not have one of these then you can use a large pillowcase or similar, then store it in the top of a cupboard or somewhere it won’t get squashed.

If you have space, the most ideal way to store your bag is to hang it from the foot end using a clipped coathanger. This method keeps the insulation as lofted and aired out as possible. However, it’s not the most realistic option for most people, so a loose-fitting breathable bag is a good second choice.

Packed and ready for action – the Spark SP4 down sleeping bag and the Essential 5°C synthetic sleeping bag.

The moral of this story is simple: stuff your bag. It’s easier for you and better for your bag, which means you’ll get the most out of it for years to come!

If you’re still a little bit unsure or you’re eager to check out how Ben uses his feet to hold the base of the sack in place while he stuffs, check out our YouTube video:

The post How to Pack a Sleeping Bag appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Rooftop Tent Guide: Load Ratings, Shell Types & Brands We Trust

Ben Collaton — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:26:46 +0000

Everything you need to know before buying a rooftop tent

Featuring 23Zero and Inspired Overland – available at Snowys Outdoors

There’s a moment every touring camper knows. It’s been a long day of exploring and the late afternoon light is throwing long shadows as you pull into a campsite. Someone nearby clicks open some latches and a rooftop tent unfolds in seconds – elevated, comfy, ready for rest. Meanwhile, you’re still pegging down guy ropes.

Rooftop tents have changed the game for Aussie campers. They’re fast to set up, very comfortable, and they keep you off the ground. But with so many brands and variations the choice is daunting, and they all claim to be the best.

This guide covers everything a first-time buyer needs to know – from tent style to vehicle compatibility we’ll help you find the models that suits how you camp. We’re not here to tell you which brand is best as they all have their merits, but we will reiterate that the old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is as relevant as it’s always been. At Snowys, we’ve curated our range predominantly with two brands, 23Zero and Inspired Overland, to ensure our range is easy to digest and covers all budgets and vehicle types… not just 4WD’s. More on why we’ve chosen these brands later in the article, but for now let’s get into what we’re here for.

Why Choose a Rooftop Tent?

Before spending a few thousand dollars, it’s worth understanding the benefits you’re paying for.

Fast setup speed. Most rooftop tents are easily pitched in under 5 minutes; many are even quicker. Compare that to pitching a ground tent in fading light after a long drive.

Superior sleep comfort. You’ll have a comfortable mattress generally 7cm+. No need to clear sticks and rocks before pitching your tent, and you’re off the ground if it’s wet.

A compact campsite. You can camp wherever you can park your vehicle level, regardless of whether it’s gravel, rock or lumpy terrain. Even if the ground is uneven, you can use wheel chocks to level things out.

Leave bedding inside. Many models have enough space to store bedding inside, making setup and pack down a breeze.

Let Ben and Lauren guide you through deciding between a tents, swag or rooftop tent

Types of Rooftop Tents: Hard Shell vs Soft Shell

This is the first decision every buyer faces. The choice may come down to how or where you want to mount your tent, or the type of vehicle you have.

Hard Shell Rooftop Tents Have all the Bells and Whistles

Hard shell RTTs have a rigid outer shell – usually aluminium, carbon or ABS – this protects the tent when packed and forms part of the weatherproof upper when setup. Most hard-shell rooftops are single hinge full-length, low-profile units that suit a longer roof. The primary benefit of a hardshell rooftop tent is setup speed and the ability to add roof rails to the shell to carry light items like solar panels, recovery tracks or surfboards.

Hardshell rooftop tents are generally more expensive than their soft-shell cousins, with higher prices seemingly directly proportional to more interior space.

Best for: Weekend warriors, long-distance tourers, anyone who values fast setup and a low-profile look.

Soft Shell Rooftop Tents are a Simplistic and Affordable Choice

Most soft shell rooftop tents fold in half and open to offer generous interior space. These models pen over the side of the vehicle creating further sheltered space outside of the tent.

These rooftop tents have a smaller footprint making them suitable for short roofs or tub racks, but their fold-in-half configuration means they sit higher on your roof. These models are generally more affordable but usually don’t accommodate the storage of bedding inside.

Best for: Base camp setups, families, campers seeking value for money.

Hybrid Rooftop Tent Styles Suit Users With Specific Requirements

In the quest to suit more budgets and vehicle types many rooftop tents inherit both soft-shell and hard-shell features. 23Zero’s Panther Horizon and Yowie AX for example have hard shells that will accommodate roof rails whilst a fold-out tent section makes for a compact footprint when packed. Inspired Overland’s Lightweight rooftops are affordable full-length low-profile soft-shell models ideal for users that don’t need roof rails. Side opening models like the Inspired Overland Trailpeak offer the interior space of a soft-shell offering with a full-length, low-profile packed configuration.

Best for: Users with specific mounting restrictions on their vehicle.

Note on choosing a style: Being prepared with exactly what your vehicle can legally carry, along with details on exactly how and where you want to install it on your vehicle i.e. tub rack, roof, or trailer, and roof rack type, will quickly help to refine your choice.

Take a walk with Ben through the range of 23Zero, Inspired Overland and more on display in one of our stores.

What to Consider Before You Buy

Check your dynamic roof load rating before anything else – and remember it includes your rack, not just the tent.
This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of buying an RTT. Your vehicle’s dynamic roof load rating is the maximum weight it can carry while moving, and that figure almost always includes the weight of your roof rack system on top of the tent itself. We’ve included more vehicle-specific details later in this guide.
How often you camp should drive your decision — frequent campers can justify comfort and features; occasional campers should think carefully about daily compromises.
Weekend warriors and full-time tourers will get real value from space and features — comfort pays off when you’re living in the thing. But if you’re an occasional camper with a daily driver, that tent sits on your roof 365 days a year, adding weight and drag to every commute. A lightweight, easily removable or low-profile model could save you real money at the bowser.
Width of the sleeping area, and factor in your height — it may change the style of tent you need.
RTTs are typically rated for two people, with some larger models accommodating three or more. The number in a tent’s name generally represents its width: a ‘1300’ is roughly a double bed, while a ‘1500’ aligns closer to a queen. If you’re tall, pay attention to tent style — full-length single-hinge rooftops taper to a wedge at the foot end, reducing usable length. If your height is close to the tent’s total length, consider an x-hinge model, a side-opening style with near-vertical walls, or a fold-in-half design.
Don’t overlook the mattress – it makes a bigger difference than most buyers expect, and it’s where cheaper tents cut corners.
Higher quality brands offer firmer, dual-density or memory foam options, or include self-inflating mattresses. Almost all rooftop tents also include an anti-condensation layer under the mattress to help manage moisture build-up between your body heat and the cold floor.
Prioritise crossflow ventilation regardless of material — then choose between polycotton’s durability or polyester’s weight savings based on your use case.
Polycotton canvas offers excellent strength and UV resistance, while high-quality polyester saves weight and packs down smaller. 23Zero’s LST coating goes further by blocking light for a darker interior. On the frame side, Inspired Overland uses carbon fibre elements and lightweight aluminium extrusions for a weight-focused build, while 23Zero uses heavier-duty TIG-welded aluminium and heavy-duty components for maximum durability where weight isn’t a constraint.
Most RTTs will fit standard crossbar setups, but check your specific model’s requirements — some need three bars, and overhang matters for lighter tents.
Most RTTs use T-slot rails and pre-fitted hardware to suit standard roof rack crossbars, though fitments vary and extra bolts or fittings may be needed. Two crossbars spaced to distribute weight evenly is usually sufficient, but some models require three. For lightweight models, pay attention to how much weight is applied to any overhanging sections.
Decide whether you want to leave bedding inside — if yes, you’ll need a bulkier tent; if you’re happy to pack it away, go slim and save weight.
Lightweight RTT models are designed to be stripped bare before driving to keep roof load down. If leaving bulky bedding inside is important to your setup, you’ll need a tent built to accommodate that. Happy to stash it in the car? Go slim and save on fuel and weight.
Think ahead about what you’ll add — the ability to attach awnings, solar, and extra cargo on top varies significantly.
Consider what you might want later: awnings, extra lighting, and solar panels. Some models can facilitate the mounting of awnings, an roof bars for for solar panels and recovery gear, and some models feature integrated 12V power hubs with USB-A, USB-C, and cigarette lighter sockets built in.

Vehicle Roof Load Ratings

Before you purchase any RTT, the single most important number you need is your vehicle’s dynamic roof load rating. Roof rack manufacturers also specify maximum weights for their products; the number you’re limited by is the lesser of the two. This is the maximum combined weight your roof can safely carry while driving – and it includes the weight of your roof rack, not just the tent.

Dynamic load rating: Maximum weight while driving. This is the figure that really matters.

Static load rating: Maximum weight while stationary (e.g. sleeping in the tent). Typically, 5–10x the dynamic rating – rarely the limiting factor.

Off-road rating: Most manufacturers and rack brands reduce the allowable load by 30–50% on unsealed roads due to corrugations and impacts. An exact figure here can be hard to come by.

GVM: We aren’t going to get into GVM details in this article, but we will mention that you also need to ensure that your total vehicle weight remains in check. It’s important to note that while a GVM upgrade can legally increase load carrying capacity (payload) of your vehicle, it does not increase the roof load rating.

Ratings can vary significantly by vehicle variant and year, always consult vehicle’s owner manual or enquire with the manufacturer to confirm your specific vehicles limitations.

Sedans & Wagons: Limited Capacity, Choose Carefully

Sedans and wagons sit at the most restricted end of the rooftop tent spectrum. Dynamic roof load ratings for this category typically range sit around 75 kg with few offering more than this. With most lightweight roof rack setups adding 10–30 kg alone, the window for a viable rooftop tent is narrow, which is why you rarely see this combination on the road. That said, the arrival of sub-40 kg rooftop tents from Inspired Overland has opened the door for sedan and wagon owners — particularly for those happy to remove the tent between trips rather than leaving it on permanently.

SUVs: Well Suited to Lightweight Models

While many SUV’s have a 75 kg rating, there are more options offering larger capacities up to 100 kg which opens up a solid range of rooftop tent. For most buyers in this category, a lightweight tent paired with roof bars is the most practical starting point, preserving as much of the roof load allowance as possible.

Dual Cab Ute? A Tub Rack Opens Up Your Options.

Dual cab ute owners have two installation options: the cab roof, or a rack mounted to the tray via a canopy or tub rack. The cab roof typically sits between 75–100 kg depending on the model, but a quality canopy or tub rack changes the equation significantly – purpose-built aluminium canopies commonly carry dynamic ratings of up to 200 kg, opening the full rooftop tent range. If you’re going the canopy route, be cautious of products without a published dynamic rating; many ABS and fibreglass canopies sit in the 50–100 kg range as standard, and off-road use can reduce effective ratings further.

Two rules apply across the board: your safe load limit is always the weakest link in the chain – canopy rating, rack system rating, and vehicle GVM all need to stack up – and your rooftop tent should never be installed in a way that bridges the cab roof and the canopy, as chassis flex between the two will cause damage over time. Always consult a qualified installer to confirm your setup is suitable before purchase.

4WDs: Compatible With the Full Range of Rooftop Tents

Purpose-built 4WDs are the natural home of the rooftop tent, and the roof load ratings reflect it – many popular models like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser sit between 100–150 kg, with the LandCruiser 200 Series reportedly standing out at an exceptional 200 kg. Don’t just assume that size and rugged looks mean there is plenty of load capacity on the vehicle, some models still only offer 75Kg capacity.

Calculating Your Available Load

Once you know your vehicle’s dynamic roof load rating, you can do some simple maths to work out what capacity you have left for your rooftop tent any anything else you want to add on top of your vehicle. Aluminium crossbar systems genrally weight 10–20kg whilst full platforms much more at 20–35kg. Steel racks: can exceed 45kg – a serious constraint on any vehicle.

Roof rating – Roof rack weight = Available load

Example: A vehicle with a roof load rating of 85kg with 2 bar roof rack weighing 10kg leaves 75kg for a rooftop tent and any extras.

Example: A vehicle with a roof load rating of 100Kg and a full-length platform rack weighing 30Kg has 60Kg remaining for a rooftop tent and any extras.

Want lighter, lower-profile, better on fuel? Episode 181 of the Snowys Camping Show covers the minimalist RTT movement. →

Your vehicle’s handling will change regardless of how much you put on your roof rack, always drive with consideration of the extra weight, wind resistance, and changes to centre of gravity.

Narrowing Your Rooftop Tent Choice

Once you know your available load, you can use the table below to start narrowing down your options. We’ve listed individual rooftop tent weights from our current range, and combined the weight of each with two common roof rack systems and their approximate weights – roof bars (5 kg per bar) and a roof platform (30 kg) — so you can see at a glance what you’d be putting on your roof. It’s also worth keeping in mind that if you’re planning to leave your rooftop tent on permanently, roof bars are worth a good look: at roughly a third of the weight of a platform rack, they can free up a meaningful chunk of your roof load allowance.

Brand	Model	Tent only Weight	Tent only + Roof Bars (~5 kg per bar)	Tent only + Roof Platform (~30 kg)	Accessory Weights
Inspired Overland	Standard Lightweight Rooftop Tent	34.5 kg	44.5 kg (2 bars)	64.5 kg	Ladder: +6 kg
Inspired Overland	XL Lightweight Rooftop Tent	39 kg	49 kg (2 bars)	69 kg	Ladder: +6 kg
Inspired Overland	Carbonlite Rooftop Tent	36.3 kg	46.3 kg (2 bars)	66.3 kg	Ladder: +5.5 kg
23Zero	Dakota Super Lite Roof Top Tent	41 kg	51 kg (2 bars)	71 kg	Ladder: +5.7 kg
23Zero	Dakota 1400 Series 4 Rooftop Tent with LST	58.6 kg	68.6 kg (2 bars)	88.6 kg	Included in total
23Zero	Saber Vert-X 1450 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent	78 kg	88 kg (2 bars)	108 kg	Ladder: +5 kg Rails: +6 kg
23Zero	Onyx Triple X 1300 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent	85 kg	95 kg (2 bars)	115 kg	TBC
23Zero	Onyx Triple X 1450 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent	90 kg	100 kg (2 bars)	120 kg	TBC
23Zero	Onyx Triple X 1550 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent	95 kg	105 kg (2 bars)	125 kg	TBC
23Zero	Yowie AX Hard Shell Rooftop Tent	95 kg	105 kg (2 bars)	125 kg	Ladder: +6 kg
23Zero	Panther Horizon 1600 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent	84 kg	94 kg (2 bars)	114 kg	Included in total
23Zero	Panther Horizon 2000 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent	99 kg	109 kg (2 bars)	129 kg	Included in total
23Zero	Saber Super Fly Lightweight Roof Top Tent	45 kg	60 kg (3 bars)	75 kg	Ladder: +6 kg Rails: +2.4kg
23Zero	Saber Super Lite Hard Shell Roof Top Tent	64.5 kg	79.5 kg (3 bars)	94.5 kg	Ladder: +5 kg
23Zero	Saber Max Hard Shell Rooftop Tent	89 kg	99 kg (2 bars)	119 kg	Ladder: +5 kg Rails: +5 kg
23Zero	Saber Lite Paw Hard Shell Rooftop Tent	84 kg	94 kg (2 bars)	114 kg	Ladder: +5 kg Rails: + 5kg
23Zero	Saber Pro Z 1400 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent	89 kg	99 kg (2 bars)	119 kg	TBC

Note: Weights shown are approximate and based on manufacturer specifications. Mounting hardware is not included in the weights listed in this table.

Why Snowys Stocks 23Zero and Inspired Overland

Our stance is that every brand has its own merits, regardless of whether or not it forms part of our range. The brands we choose to align with are chosen as they reflect the Snowys ethos of delivering reliable quality backed by exceptional experiences for our customers, from the moment they start researching through to purchase and the support that comes after. While we have other brands in our range that reflect this ethos, 23Zero and Inspired Overland meet that standard in droves. They build quality products, stand behind them, and are genuinely easy to work with when our customers need help. The product range across these two brands ensures there is a rooftop tent to suit almost any vehicle, and a price that doesn’t sacrifice quality to suit any budget.

Listen to Episode 176 of the Snowys Camping Show for more on rooftop tent brands including Darche. →

Inspired Overland

Inspired Overland takes a different approach – one that’s squarely focused on lightweight construction. That focus opens rooftop tent camping to a wider audience, from vehicle owners with lower roof load ratings who’ve traditionally been locked out of the RTT market to fully equipped touring builds who are looking for opportunities to trim weight. The stripped-down construction of some models also creates more affordable entry points for buyers who want a high-quality tent without paying for features they’ll never use.

They’re innovators in the truest sense – utilising materials like carbon fibre and lightweight soft-shell fabrics to keep weight down without compromising strength or durability. The Stargazer Duo is the clearest expression of that philosophy: a full acrylic roof, carbon fibre and aluminium construction, and just over 42kg on the scales. It’s a tent that does something genuinely different, built by a brand that keeps pushing what’s possible.

See the Inspired Overland range here →

Ben and Lauren interview the Inspired Overland masterminds on the Snowys Camping Show

23Zero

23Zero are always innovating – and what sets them apart is that their innovation is driven by the people actually using their gear. They listen to customer feedback and make real changes accordingly, and it shows across every generation of product. Their continual innovation means there is always something new and updated on the horizon, but working closely with the designers means our team genuinely understands the range and can give customers confident, informed advice.

In terms of what they cover in our range, 23Zero sit in the mid-weight to heavy-duty end of the spectrum – with a model to suit almost every vehicle. From the Dakota Super Lite at ~41kg for SUV owners watching their roof load, through to the robust Saber Pro Z with its generous interior space for serious 4WD touring, the range has genuine breadth without compromising on quality.

See 23Zero’s range here →

Matching your vehicle

In addition to the weight of the rooftop tent, you will need to consider how the tent will sit on your vehicle, see below for considerations for each vehicle type.

Sedan or small SUV

Given the low roof ratings and close nature by which the roof rails will likely be mounted, your best choice is likely a lightweight folding rooftop tent with a compact footprint.

If your roof bars are far enough apart, a lightweight full length model will also be suitable.

Any of the Inspired Overland range
23Zero Saber Super Fly
23Zero Saber Super Lite (may be pushing weight limits)

Medium to large SUV

The longer roof space opens more full-length models but you may still be limited by roof weight limits.

Any of the Inspired Overland range
23Zero Saber Super Fly
23Zero Saber Super Lite (may be pushing weight limits)

Dual cab mounting on cabin roof

While your vehicle can carry loads of weight, the roof space on these can be limiting in both weight ratings and the distance in which the roof racks are spaced, you may end up with too much overhang if you are mounting a full-length version, meaning a folding option could be the best choice.

23Zero Dakota Super Lite
23Zero Dakota 1400
Any of the Inspired Overland range but be mindful of rack spacing and overhang

Dual cab with tub rack mounting at roof height

This is the ideal way to mount a rooftop tent on a dual cab when placing it at roof height. The tub rack usually rated well above the cab roof meaning you can mount almost any rooftop tent you want; the choice comes down to how you want to set things up. A fold-in-half models will open to the side to create shelter, while a full-length model can look very tidy fitting neatly within the edges of your tub and slightly overhand the front cab.

Dual cab mounting lower than roof height

If you want to mount your rooftop in the tub such that the top of your rooftop tent to sit close to the height of your cab roof, you’ll need to make sure the tent can be setup without fouling against the cab. You may also need to sacrifice the use of one of the window awnings. Furthermore, you will likely need a model with a smaller footprint, so it doesn’t overhang at the rear.

Mounting on a trailer

Limitations here are specific to your trailer. It’s likely you have plenty of available capacity, and the choice really comes down to how you configure your trailer. You may need to think about how it is mounted given it may be that you aren’t using traditional roof bars.

4WD

For a 4WD with plenty of available load capacity, go for comfort and style, 23Zero offer this in spades.

Dual hinged for internal space

23Zero Saber Pro Z

Classic single hinge models

X-hinge for extra foot space

Weight saving options

Mounting and Setup: What You Need to Know

Roof Racks

You’ll need a roof rack system before mounting any RTT. Most tents require a pair of crossbars with a minimum spread – typically 600–900mm depending on the model. Popular systems like Rhino-Rack, Thule, and Yakima are generally compatible with the T-slot mounting hardware used across the 23Zero and Inspired Overland ranges.

Mounting Hardware

Both brands come with T-slot mounting brackets and clamps that attach to your crossbars. The process is straightforward: position the tent on the crossbars, drop the T-bolts into the slots, tighten the clamps. Refer to the installation guide for your specific model.

Pro tip: Have a second person help with installation – even a sub 40kg tent is awkward to lift solo. A rubber mat or moving blanket across your roof panel prevents scratches during the lift.

Ladder Setup

Most RTTs include a telescopic aluminium ladder which is integrated into some models, whilst others, particularly the lightweight models, have a removable ladder that is stored separately to the tent to keep vehicle weight down.

Weight Distribution

Position the tent as close to centre over your crossbars as the model allows. When installing lightweight model be conscious of the overhanging section where you will be sitting/climbing in and out of the tent, too much overhang here could cause structural damage to the tent once you add bodyweight.

Watch Ben install an Inspire Overland rooftop tent here → This process can be followed in a general sense for most rooftop tets and vehicle types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a rooftop tent on any car?

No. The vehicle’s roof load rating must exceed the tent’s static weight plus occupant weight, and the roof racks must be rated to match. Smaller vehicles with roof load ratings under 60kg are limited to lightweight options like the Inspired Overland range; conventional rooftop tents are not suitable.

Can I leave the RTT on my car permanently?

Yes, and most owners do. Hard shell RTTs are designed as a permanent installation – they’re weatherproofed when closed and sit low enough to not cause major clearance issues in most situations (though check height clearances in multi-storey car parks, typically 2.0–2.1m). Models with a slim profile i.e Inspired Overland are more convenient when it comes to fitting your car in a small garage.

How heavy is a rooftop tent?

Conventional hard shell rooftop tents weigh 60–100kg. Soft shell folding tents typically weigh 50–80kg. Lightweight options like the Inspired Overland Standard start at around 34kg.

Do I need to air the fabric out?

Yes – If you pack up while the fabric is damp, open it again within a day or two to dry properly. Packing away consistently wet fabric can lead to mildew.

How do I manage condensation inside?

Condensation happens in any enclosed sleeping space, and it is one of the most common complaints with rooftop tents. Anti-condensation mats (included in almost all models) help to manage the condensation that builds on the floor, but doesn’t stop it completely, if it’s cold night, you’ll almost certainly get some condensation. Cracking vents and windows open for airflow overnight makes the single biggest difference. Have a listen to our podcast discussion on the topic here → .

What’s a realistic budget for a quality first RTT?

For a quality hard shell with all the bells and whistles including, integrated lighting, power, roof rails and heavy-duty materials, budget from around $3,500 upward. For $2000-$3000 you can get yourself a quality lightweight model that does away with bells and whistles and strips out unnecessary features in favour of weight saving, 23Zero’s Superlight and Superfly and Inspired Overlands Lightweight and TrailPeak models are good examples of this.

Is a rooftop tent better than a swag or ground tent?

Each suits different use cases. Rooftop tents win on setup speed and touring comfort. Swags are cheaper, simpler, and have no roof load requirement. Ground tents offer the most internal living space per dollar. For a detailed comparison, see Ep15 — Comparing Tents, Swags & Rooftop Tents →.

Are 23ZERO or Darche rooftop tents better?

Both brands make excellent rooftop tents at similar prices and quality — the choice usually comes down to personal preference. 23ZERO consistently develops their range, while Darche pushes into different territory with detachable and solar-integrated designs. Both also have comparable staple models that anchor their lineups.

Finding the Right Tent for You

Buying an RTT is one of those purchases that genuinely changes how you camp. Once you’ve slept elevated with a proper mattress and a sky window overhead, a regular tent starts to feel like a step backwards.

23Zero covers almost every type of buyer – from the weight-conscious first timer on a smaller SUV through to the serious overlander who wants a hand-built hard shell with genuine interior volume. Inspired Overland offer true lightweight innovation and stripped-down offerings that suit a wider range of vehicles.

At Snowys, every RTT in this range is one we’d stand behind – and our store and online teams know these tents inside out. If you’d rather talk it through in person before committing, come in and we’ll help you match a tent to your rig.

Shop the full rooftop tent range at Snowys →

The post Rooftop Tent Guide: Load Ratings, Shell Types & Brands We Trust appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep 199 – Life on the Road: Kira & Mitch from Sure to Sea

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:02:09 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From van life solo to a Troopy built for two… meet Kira and Mitch of Suretosea

Ben and Lauren welcome Snowys’ ambassadors Kira and Mitch, into the studio, a Tassie-based couple currently doing a full lap of Australia in their 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser troop carrier, affectionately known as Troopski. Fresh off 10 months on the east coast and down the centre, they’ve barely had time to wash the red dirt out before hitting the road again – this time heading west.

From the rooftop tent decision that changed everything, to budgeting $1,000 a week on the road, bulk-buying meat and the very real burnout that comes with trying to see it all — be it the highs of Babinda Boulders and Kakadu or the flies, the heat, and the moment you just want carpet under your feet — tune in for an honest, unfiltered chat about life on the road with two people living it.

Kira, Mitch & Troopski

Shortcuts:

0:30 – Ben introduces Kira and Mitch of Suretosea

1:59 – Kira shares her background growing up in southern Tasmania

3:04 – Mitch talks about his upbringing on a farm on the Yorke Peninsula

6:39 – Kira and Mitch reveal they’re heading west for a full lap of Australia

10:24 – The story of Troopski — a 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser troop carrier

11:50 – Why they chose a rooftop tent over a roof conversion

25:00 – The origin of their brand name, Suretosea

29:31 – How they afford full-time travel (savings, budgeting, and UGC work)

37:50 – Fridge, freezer, and food prep tips for life on the road

50:20 – Favourite locations in Australia so far

1:06:24 – The items Kira and Mitch never leave home without

1:10:50 – The craziest thing they’ve seen on the road

Mentioned in This Episode:

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep 199 – Life on the Road: Kira & Mitch from Sure to Sea appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best 4WD & Touring Tents for 2026

Ben Collaton — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:55:00 +0000

Touring tents are often selected for rugged outback adventures and 4WD road trips due to their durability and easy setup. Pictured: Oztent SV-5 Max

The highlighter’s out of ink, the spreadsheets are scrawled with aggressive pen markings, and our cups are out of coffee – but we’ve done it. We’ve got the list. We can finally reveal the top 10 best-selling 4WD and touring tents for 2026.

Touring tents are often selected for rugged outback adventures and 4WD road trips due to their durability and easy of setup. In light of that, every tent that made the list was held to three stipulations:

1. Freestanding and standalone
2. Canvas or a tough synthetic construction, to withstand the rigours of the outback
3. Featuring (in part) a quick-pitch design for easy setup and pack down

Many of these tents are also used for general camping – but if you’re after a model that caters for both a weekend away and an extended outback jaunt, both styles of adventure can be covered with the options below.

Let’s work back from number 10!

10. BlackWolf Turbo BLK Lite

From outdoor durability to interior serenity, the Turbo BLK Lite tents deliver a convenient camping experience. Pictured: BlackWolf Turbo Lite BLK 300

From its dark fly coating to its lightweight frame, the Turbo BLK Lite tents by BlackWolf are new to the rank at number 10, offering a fresher alfresco respite in 300, 300 Plus, 300 Twin, and 450 Cabin sizes.

With reinforced tape-sealed seams and Polyester full fly with a 3000mm waterhead rating, these tents stand up to the wetter weather with a lightweight but strong aluminium frame too. A triple coating of black PU on the inner fly absorbs light to reduce internal heat too, working with the breathable Polyester PU inner tent for adequate insulation and the full ceiling mesh for better airflow. In windy conditions, reinforced pressure points line the roof poles for both added strength and durability. Enjoy room to groove on a 3m x 3m footprint, and get footloose on its robust Polyester flooring featuring a tough dope dye yarn!

From outdoor durability to interior serenity, the BlackWolf Turbo BLK Lite tents deliver a convenient camping experience.

9. Oztent SV-5 Max

The SV-5 Max continues to gain a loyal fanbase. Pictured: Oztent SV-5 Max

A true-blue head-turner, the SV-5 Max continues to gain a loyal fanbase. Its backstory will tug at the heartstrings – named in honour of Oztent’s late owner Shane Viglione – but that’s only part of why it’s made the top ten.

The SV-5 endures all the seasons and comfortably sleeps four people. If you took all the best features from the RX-5 and full RV range, then added a few more, this is the result. Its 8oz Ripstop canvas construction also features a 5-metre wide polyester zip-in tarp extension, plus a silver-coated polyester fly. Complete with everything you need – from the heat-sealed PVC tub floor, to the SkyMesh Skylight – there’s also the option to create another enclosed space using the separately available side and front panels that attach to the awning.

Spacious, tough, and just as easy to set up as the original 30-second tent – the SV-5 Max is one of the leading spacious and ultra livable tents in the 4WD and touring range.

8. BlackWolf Turbo Plus: 240 and 300

The Turbo Plus is perfect for families who require extra living space on tour. Pictured: BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240

The Turbo Plus is a hardwearing and quick-pitch design, perfect for families who require extra living space on tour.

Carrying over the tape-sealed seams, PVC storm flaps, and reinforcing along the roof poles for sturdiness, the Turbo Plus also features a fly with wider corners to guard against water leakage. For easy setup and pack down, the siliconised polyester floor is easy to roll. Plus – extend your living space with the three-pole awning, or section it off using the optional panels to create an enclosed screen room.

The timelessly designed Turbo Plus is ideal for bigger groups on the move, boasting durability, space, and efficiency in the outdoors.

7. Dometic Santorini FTK TC: 4×8 and 2×4

From feeding the family to fooling around with friends, this inflatable canopy allows the space! Pictured: Dometic Santorini FTK 2X4 TC

Get pumped, because the Dometic Santorini FTK 4X8 TC and 2X4 TC Inflatable tents are new to this year’s rank – offering plenty of room to wriggle for up to 8 people!

Be your stay brief or not, the multi-point inflation and 10cm air poles mean you can multitask while the tent inflates. Stay protected from the elements thanks to mesh panels, while the polycotton material reduces condensation and regulates the interior temperature, and a large ventilation panel located at the rear ensures superior interior comfort. From feeding the family to fooling around with friends, the integral inflatable canopy allows the space!

6. BlackWolf Turbo: 300 and 240

A canvas Turbo tent offers excellent durability. Pictured: BlackWolf Turbo 300

The Black Wolf Turbo tent range is ideal for campers after a balance of simplicity, livability, and durability. There are two series in the range (differentiated by their fabric), and while the canvas series has maintained a strong foothold it is often trumped by its lightweight cousin. This is most likely on account of its additional weight and higher cost.

A canvas Turbo tent offers excellent durability. Known for their easy setup and hard-wearing canvas construction, the Turbo range offers a fuss- and stress-free camping experience. With tape-sealed seams where the wall meets the floor, PVC storm flaps, and reinforcing along the roof poles for weather protection and stability – the Turbo is built for tough Aussie conditions.

If you can afford both the extra dollars and grams, the benefit is a quick-pitch and livable touring tent year after year. There are also many add-on accessories available for a more customised setup.

5. Darche Safari: 260 and 350

The Darche Safari tents are the fast-pitching accommodation for touring adventures! Pictured: Darche Safari 350

New to the rank this year is the Safari 260 and 350 by Darche – designed for the touring travellers who live by the mantra: less setup, more getup!

Featuring an internal alloy trigger lock pole design for a swift pitch and pack-down, these tents are the touring solutions that maximise every outdoor moments. Constructed from high-quality, proofed 260gsm polycotton ripstop canvas with a 2000mm waterhead rating and sealed seams, it withstands the damper days and wetter weather. A heavy-duty 320gsm PVC bucket floor also shields from sodden ground, while three water-shedding zip-up gusset windows offer ventilation in warm conditions. For rainy forecasts, three gusset vents prevent condensation build-up too. Plus, separately available zip-on awning walls provide additional shade and wind protection, while an optional alternative internal trigger lock A-frame increases internal space.

For shelter that sets up quick and packs down slick — the Darche Safari Tents are the fast-pitching accommodation for touring adventures!

4. BlackWolf Turbo Lite, Lite Cabin, and Lite Plus

The ‘Lite’ version of the BlackWolf Turbo Tents straddle the balance between general camping and outback touring. Pictured: BlackWolf Turbo Lite 240

Turbo Lite

Almost unbeatable as an all-round family camping and 4WD touring tent, the ‘Lite’ or synthetic version of the Black Wolf Turbo Tents straddle the balance between general camping and outback touring like a bird on a wire!

These tents boast the same durable aluminium frame as their canvas counterparts, only 23mm instead of 25mm. Their 150D Ripstop synthetic fabric construction also offers excellent durability, meanwhile shaving about 25% off the weight.

The ‘Lite’ versions of the Turbo tents are also available in a larger range of sizes and configurations than the canvas models – plus, compatible with a host of optional accessories for a more personalised campsite setup.

The Turbo Lites boast a lightweight, Ripstop polyester construction. Pictured: BlackWolf Turbo Lite Cabin 450

Turbo Lite Cabin

The Cabin boasts a large awning that can be turned into an extended living area with optional panels, or sectioned off with an optional screen room for a fully enclosed space. Plus, added PVC storm flaps at the bottom of the optional front and side panels help keep the awning dry in wet weather, while the zips and Velcro on the panels attach to the fly for added water protection.

Finally, the six-way hub provides extra headroom and the two rooms sit side by side so they can be zipped up for privacy or left open to make one large room.

Weatherproof, stress-free, and a little larger than the rest – the BlackWolf Turbo Lite Cabin tent is built for outdoor adventure.

The Turbo Lite Plus tents offer fuss-free camping from the short weekends away to the more extended getaways. Pictured: BlackWolf Turbo Lite Plus 240

Turbo Lite Plus

Ideal for shorter getaways, the Lite and Lite Plus versions of the Turbo tent range blend pared-back portability with adequate space, versatility, and durability built for outback conditions. Where the Lite features a three-pole awning to extend the living area, the Lite Plus includes a curtain divider to either split the space into two rooms or detach for a larger living area.

The Turbo Lite and Lite Plus tents offer fuss-free camping from the short weekends away to the more extended getaways.

3. BlackWolf Turbo 240 X-Lite LF

The Turbo 240 X-Lite LF still has the durability to see you through many kilometres of outback touring.

On this list, the 240 X-Lite LF is nestled in at the lightweight end of the touring tents – but based on customer feedback, we reckon it still has the durability to see you through many kilometres of outback touring.

Setup is pretty much the same as regular Black Wolf Turbo tents. Its smaller vestibule still provides standing space, while the roof poles are made from a flexible composite material reducing both weight and packed size.

This tent is ideal for weight-conscious individuals, or couples on outback adventures.

A 210T silver-coated Ripstop polyester fly allows increased ventilation and reduces condensation. Pictured: Oztent RV-3

2. Oztent RV Plus: 3 and 5

Oztent have elevated the RV range with their RV Plus tents. Pictured: Oztent RV-5 Plus

Sure, there’s the RV – but then there’s the RV Plus, of which the RV-3 and RV-5 have yet again ranked highly over the past year.

Keeping all the original, familiar features including the 30-second setup, quality 8oz Ripstop polycotton canvas, large attached awning, and modular design – Oztent have elevated the RV with a SkyMesh Skylight built into the roof, including easy, internal open and closing for stargazing and adequate airflow. A 210T silver-coated Ripstop polyester fly allows increased ventilation and reduces condensation, while the awning zips have been redesigned to allow attaching of accessories (such as walls) for wet weather protection.

Mirroring the above too, the RV-5 Plus boasts a heat-sealed tub floor made from heavy-duty 510g PVC, plus a strong aluminium frame capable of effortless, 30-second assembling and disassembling by a single camper!

The RV-3 and RV-5 Plus tents are reflection of Oztent’s success in keeping what works and adding what exceeds every outdoor adventurer’s expectations!

1. Oztent RV: 3, 4, and 5

The original Oztent RV Tents have earned the top spot for another year in review. Pictured: Oztent RV-4

Well, this is awkward.

The original Oztent RV Tents have earned the top spot for yet ANOTHER year in review! These tents are consistently our best-selling touring tents by far, maintaining the number one position.

On account of both their ease of use and reliability in rugged outback conditions, the Oztent RV range goes hand in hand with 4WD and outback touring. Their simple yet robust design with easy-to-set-up frame leaves most of our customers wondering why they didn’t snag one sooner. Constructed with a trusted, 8oz Ripstop canvas, RV tents boast a strong, aluminium frame and heavy-duty PVC floor for ultimate outdoor durability.

With optional accessories such as front panels, side panels, and custom mesh floor savers sized for each model – plus a whole host more – you can create the setup style best suited to your campsite.

We’ve got to mention air tents! Pictured: Zempire Aerospeed 4

We’ve got to mention these…

Air Tents

Some call them ‘breathtaking’ in a very literal sense, others call them simply a breath of fresh air among the more conventional tent styles. Further up, we pumped up Dometic‘s tyres a little by unpacking their Santorini FTK TC inflatable touring tents, sitting humbly at number 7 in this year’s rank. With Zempire breaking new ground in this space too, it got us thinking: we should really talk about the innovative air tent more often.

Replacing traditional poles with robust inflatable tubes, these tents offer quick setup with a pump and pack down compactly without separate poles to manage. They’re gaining popularity across Australia for good reason – combining convenience with reliable performance.

Air tents are gaining popularity across Australia for good reason – combining convenience with reliable performance. Pictured: Zempire Aerospeed 4

What’s the most you’ve ever put your touring tent through?

The post Best 4WD & Touring Tents for 2026 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep 198 – Eat Well, Camp Better: Q&A Edition

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:03:44 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From the campfire to the cooktop — every camp cooking question you’ve ever had, answered

Whether you’re chasing the perfect camp coffee, cooking through a total fire ban, or wondering if freeze-dried meals are actually worth it — Ben and Lauren have served up a feast of answers. In this Q&A compilation episode, our video guy, Larry, has raided four years’ worth of content to collate your most common camp cooking and food questions into one well-seasoned episode.

From camp oven lamb shanks and the great damper debate, to induction cooker realities, 12V oven limitations, and the AeroPress fan club — our gear gurus dish out practical advice on planning your camp menu, prepping smarter at home, and making the most of whatever cooking setup you’ve got.

Tune in for a blast from the past — and a whole lot of food for thought!

Image credit: Campfire

Shortcuts:

00:00 — Intro & episode format explained

03:54 — What’s your favourite recipe for camp stove and open fire?

07:00 — Camp meal ideas, preparation & tips for stove-only cooking

09:14 — What cooking options do you recommend for total fire ban days?

14:43 — Induction cooking is on trend — what’s available for camping?

21:26 — What are the best coffee makers for camping?

24:43 — Best ultralight crockery and cutlery for hiking at the lowest price

27:13 — What’s your favourite meal to cook when camping?

29:12 — Have you reviewed BackCountry/Outdoor Gourmet freeze-dried meals?

36:18 — Wrap up

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

AeroPress

Wacaco espresso makers

Camp ovens

Travel Buddy 12V ovens

Portable induction cookers

Jaffle irons

Sea to Summit cook & tableware range

BackCountry Cuisine freeze-dried meals

Outdoor Gourmet freeze-dried meals

Radix Nutrition freeze-dried meals

Retort packaged meals

Fire To Fork Cookbook

Podcasts:

Ep45 – Fire Ban Seasons with the CFS

Ep 194 – 12V Appliances Are A Thing Now

Ep2 – Tips for Keeping Camping Food Fresh

Ep13 – Camping on a Budget

Ep27 – Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets for Camping

Ep55 – Food for Adventure with Kate Grarock

Ep39 – Fridges Vs. Iceboxes

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep 198 – Eat Well, Camp Better: Q&A Edition appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep 197 – Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Camp Stretcher

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 01:32:10 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From bad backs to bad sleeps, the humble camp stretcher has a lot riding on it.

Whether you’re looking to get up off the ground, create some storage under the bed, or simply bring a touch of home comfort to the campsite – Ben and Lauren stretch the topic thin and lay it all out flat. From easy-fold favourites and flat-fold classics to compact Helinox-style options and swag-specific setups, our gear gurus cover the lot: single vs. double, pole vs. no pole, saggy middles, tent fit, mat pairings, and the age-old question of whether your tent floor needs protecting.

Tune in for a no-nonsense guide to navigating the camp stretcher range — and finally get a good night’s sleep sorted!

Darche’s XL100 Stretcher

Shortcuts:

0:26 – Intro: Why get a camp stretcher? Benefits covered (bad backs, storage, swag use, flood protection)

2:48 – Negatives of stretchers: bulk, weight, insulation limitations, and tent fit challenges

5:01 – Sturdy stretcher options: OZtrail Easy Fold, Zempire Z-Leg, and Quest Fast Bed reviewed

7:36 – Flat-fold stretchers: Big Sky and OZtrail Rhino Bed discussed, plus comfort vs. portability trade-offs

9:25 – Cross-leg stretchers: Oztent RS1, Coleman Swagger, 23Zero and others compared for stability

10:59 – Compact stretchers: Helinox options reviewed, value vs. cost debate, and budget alternatives

13:39 – Double stretcher deep-dive: pole vs. no pole, the sagging middle problem, and Quest’s platform solution

16:28 – Swag-specific stretchers: matching dimensions, overhang tips, and whether tie points are really necessary

18:31 – Stretcher tents: Oztent Bunker, OZtrail, and Quest options explored as an all-in-one alternative

24:18 – Common questions answered: mattress pairing, tent floor protection, uneven ground, and putting two stretchers together

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

Stretchers

OZtrail Easy Fold Stretcher

Zempire Z-Leg Stretcher

Quest Fast Bed

Big Sky Flat Fold Stretcher

OZtrail Rhino Bed

Quest Flat Fold Bed

Oztent RS1

Coleman Swagger Stretcher

23Zero Husky Stretcher

Darche 1400 Stretcher

Helinox Stretcher

Zempire W-Leg Stretcher

Quest Swag & Mattress Platform

Oztent Bunker Oztent Bunker Pro

OZtrail Stretcher Tent

Quest Stretcher Tent

Podcasts:

Ep56 – Will That Stretcher Fit?

Ep149 – Brand Spotlight: Quest Outdoors

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep 197 – Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Camp Stretcher appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Long Weekends Are For Camping

Ben Collaton — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:10:27 +0000

The Complete Gear Guide for Every Type of Camper

Australia has no shortage of ways to spend a long weekend outdoors – from a powered caravan park site with the kids in tow, to a 4WD track most people don’t know exists, to a walk-in campsite at the end of a hiking trail. There’s no wrong way to do it. But there absolutely is a wrong set of gear – and the right kit, sorted in advance, is the difference between a long weekend of freedom and a long weekend of frustration.

Know Your Camping Style

This guide covers five camping styles – caravan park, national park, 4WD/touring, remote, and human-powered adventure – plus a section on gearing for hot and cold conditions. Find your style, check the essentials list, and kit out accordingly. Most gear crosses over well between styles once you have a solid base kit. These lists aren’t exhaustive; they simply cover of on the essentials.

We’ve popped in some helpful links to our website categories to get you started, and we’re always happy to help you put together the perfect camp kit — so don’t hesitate to reach out to us here anytime!

1. Caravan Park Camping – The Classic Aussie Long Weekend

Best for: Families with young kids, first-timers, and those who want to relax in the outdoors without being completely on their own.

Caravan parks are the easiest entry point into long weekend camping – powered sites, hot showers, camp kitchens, and often a pool or playground on-site. What you take is limited only to what your vehicle can transport, and it’s likely you’ll be able to shop for food once you arrive. Bring the stretchers, the kids’ bikes, games. No reason to hold back.

Long Weekend Gear Essentials

Large family tent or cabin tent – plenty of room for three nights
Stretcher beds or camp mattress – comfort over three nights makes a real difference
Sleeping bags rated for the season
Camp table and chairs, including kids’ versions
Full camp kitchen setup – optional if you plan on using the facilities at the park
Esky or Icebox – caravan parks often have a fridge you can use
Power board and extension cord for the powered hook-up – parks often require orange 15A leads, and choose a power board with overload protection
LED lights, headlamps and/or torches
Entertainment for three days – bikes, balls, fishing rods, outdoor games

LONG WEEKEND TIP: Long weekend caravan parks fill up weeks – sometimes months – in advance. Don’t leave the booking until the week before. Check cancellation policies too; plans change.

2. National Park Camping – Nature with a Safety Net

Best for: Families, couples, and nature lovers who want genuine immersion in the outdoors with some basic facilities still in place.

National park camping puts you in genuinely spectacular country with a basic safety net still in place – amenities block, fire rings, rangers nearby, and a designated site that’s yours for the weekend. You’re more self-sufficient than a caravan park (no mains power or water, longer drive from town) but nowhere near the demands of true remote camping. It’s the natural next step up, and a great confidence builder.

Long Weekend Gear Essentials

A reliable weather-rated tent – national park conditions can be unpredictable
Sleeping bag and mat rated for the overnight temperatures
Portable gas stove – fires are frequently banned or restricted, don’t rely on them
Water storage – carry enough for the full long weekend even if tap water is on-site
Water treatment or filtration as a backup
LED lantern and headlamps
Camp table and chairs
12V Fridge or quality icebox
12V portable battery + solar panel for extended stays – no mains power on-site
Download maps offline before you leave – phone signal in national parks is unreliable
PLB recommended, especially in larger or more remote parks
First aid kit and insect protection

LONG WEEKEND TIP: Long weekend bookings for popular national parks sell out fast – sometimes months in advance. Check the relevant park authority’s booking system early: SA National Parks, Parks Victoria, NSW National Parks, and Queensland National Parks all have online booking. Don’t assume you can rock up and find a site.

3. 4WD / Touring – The Vehicle is the Base Camp

Best for: Adventure drivers, serious gear enthusiasts, and those who want to use a long weekend to explore country that most people never reach.

4WD camping turns the vehicle itself into the base camp – rooftop tent, 12V fridge, dual battery, onboard water – letting you reach places most setups simply can’t. A long weekend is just enough to get well off the beaten track and back without rushing. The gear investment is significant once vehicle mods start, but even a modest 4WD with a swag in the back is a formidable long weekend machine.

Long Weekend Gear Essentials

Rooftop or touring tent, or quality swag
Sleeping bag and ma t rated for the overnight temperatures
12V fridge/freezer to keep food and drinks cold, no ice runs required
Dual battery system or portable power with DC-DC charger and/or folding solar
Water storage, onboard or portable
Water treatment – filter water as you refill
Gas or dual-fuel stove – a slide-out camp kitchen is the gold standard
Camp table and chairs
UHF radio for communication on remote tracks
PLB or satellite communicator – non-negotiable if you’re heading well off-grid
Vehicle recovery kit: snatch strap, shackles, MaxTrax, tyre deflator and inflator, hi-lift jack
Ful l first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a solid tool kit

LONG WEEKEND TIP: A long weekend is a great opportunity to test a new part of your setup before committing to a longer trip. Identify issues or pain points with your setup and sort it before you leave – not when you’re 80km down a track.

4. Remote Camping – Off the Grid, Alone with Nature

Best for: Experienced campers who want solitude, self-sufficiency, and a genuine long weekend reset in the outback.

Remote camping takes 4WD Camping to the next level. It means no facilities, no phone signal, no safety net – you carry everything in and carry everything out. Three days in genuinely remote country is one of the most rewarding long weekend formats in Australia, but it demands capable gear, solid planning, and likely extra travel time. This is not the time to test budget kit. One reliable piece of gear is worth more than three cheap ones that might let you down.

Long Weekend Gear Essentials

A durable shelter capable of handling strong wind and rain – don’t cut corners here
A sleeping bag and mat rated well below the expected overnight temperature
Reliable 12V fridge/freezer to keep food and drinks cold
Reliable stove with enough fuel for three days of cooking
Water filtration or purification system – unless you can carry three days of water plus emergency supplies
Satellite communicator (e.g. Zoleo or SPOT) for two-way messaging – or at minimum a PLB
Topographic maps and compass – don’t rely on a phone for navigation in remote areas
Leave No Trace: waste bags, trowel, biodegradable soap
Comprehensive first aid kit
LED lantern and headlamps
12V portable battery + solar panel for extended stays – no mains power on-site
Leave a detailed trip plan with someone at home – location, route, and when to raise an alarm if needed

LONG WEEKEND TIP: A long weekend is just enough time to do remote camping properly – but not enough time to recover from poor planning. Do your route research, check weather forecasts, let someone know your plan, and carry a PLB. No exceptions.

5. Human-Powered Adventure Camping – No Vehicle Required

Best for: Hikers, cyclists, and paddlers who want to reach places a vehicle can’t – under their own steam.

Some of the best long weekend campsites in Australia can’t be driven to – they’re at the end of a long walk, around a river bend only a kayak can reach, or along a ridge only a loaded bike can access. Whatever the mode, the gear philosophy is identical: every gram has to earn its place. Buy the lightest version that’s genuinely up to the job, and the core kit can be used for any activity.

Long Weekend Gear Essentials

Ultralight tent, tarp, or bivy – packable and weather-appropriate
Down or synthetic sleeping bag – prioritise packability and weight
Compact sleeping mat – packs smallest, critical for comfort over three nights
Compact stove, lightweight cookset & dinnerware
Water filtration – squeeze filter or straw filter for minimum weight
Merino or synthetic base layers, waterproof shell, gloves & beanies
Navigation: downloaded topo maps, compass, GPS or phone with offline maps
PLB – non-negotiable for any multi-day trip away from help
Leave No Trace hygeine: trowel, waste bags, biodegradable soap
Headlamp with spare batteries

LONG WEEKEND TIP: A long weekend trip close to home is the ideal first human-powered adventure – long enough to find out what works, short enough to survive any surprises. Sort the kit at home, not on the trail.

Camping for the Conditions – Hot Weather vs Cold Weather Gear

Applies to all camping styles – because the Australian climate doesn’t care what your plans are.

A long weekend in Australia can mean 38°C in the Queensland outback or a sub-zero overnight in the Snowy Mountains – sometimes in the same month. Getting your gear right for the conditions isn’t just about comfort; in extremes, it’s about safety. Here’s what changes across the key gear categories.

Shelter

Hot: prioritise ventilation – large mesh inners, dual-wall construction, the ability to pitch the fly high. Lighter coloured flies reflect more heat.

Cold: choose a 3–4 season tent with a robust pole structure, low profile, and full-coverage fly that reaches near the ground to block wind and retain warmth.

Sleeping System

Hot: a liner or lightweight sheet bag is often enough – a full sleeping bag in summer is miserable.

Cold: buy a bag rated at least 5°C below the coldest overnight temperature you expect (look for EN or ISO standard temperature ratings) Your sleeping mat R-value matters as much as the bag – the ground pulls heat out of your body faster than cold air does. R4+ is essential below 5°C overnight.

Clothing and Layering

Hot: lightweight, breathable, quick-dry fabrics, a quality sun shirt, wide-brimmed hat, and UV sunglasses.

Cold: the layering system – merino base, insulating mid-layer (down or synthetic), waterproof/windproof shell. Cotton is dangerous in cold conditions; it holds moisture and loses all insulation value when wet.

Hydration

Hot: water needs can jump to 4–6+ litres per person per day with physical activity – dehydration is the most common preventable illness on Australian camping trips. Carry more than you think you need and use electrolytes in the heat.

Cold: thirst signals are suppressed in the cold even as your body needs fluids to generate warmth – drink consciously, and use hot drinks (tea, broth, coffee) to stay warm and hydrated.

Stove and Fuel

Hot: most stoves perform fine, but always check fire restrictions before you leave – total fire bans in summer can cover gas stoves and alcohol burners.

Cold: isobutane canisters lose pressure below ~5°C, causing slower boil times and unreliable performance. Fix with a regulated gas stove, warm up your canister, or switch to a liquid fuel stove for serious alpine trips.

Safety by Season

Heat: key risks are dehydration, heat exhaustion, and bushfire – hike early, rest in shade, check the fire danger rating, and have a clear plan if conditions change.

Cold: key risks are hypothermia and exposure – wet plus cold is dangerous, change out of wet layers immediately, carry a PLB, and always leave a trip plan with someone at home.

LONG WEEKEND TIP: Checking the Bureau of Meteorology forecast before any long weekend camping trip is non-negotiable – not just the daytime high, but overnight lows, wind speed, and any watches or warnings in the area. Weather apps are handy, but bom.gov.au has the most detailed and reliable forecasts for Australian conditions.

Don’t Let the Long Weekend Pass You By

The biggest barrier to a great long weekend is almost always just getting organised. The right gear, sorted in advance, means you leave work on Friday, throw the kit in the car, and go. Find your style in this guide, fill your list, and get out there.

Browse our full range of camping gear at snowys.com.au or visit us in-store in Adelaide or Brisbane.

Long weekends are for camping.

The post Long Weekends Are For Camping appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep 196 – Sea to Summit Design Process & New Gear 2026 with Tim Miller

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 02:48:53 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From the drawing board to the sleeping bag, great gear doesn’t just happen…

…it takes 13 years, a children’s IKEA desk, and a whole lot of passion.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren sit down with Sea To Summit’s senior product designer Tim Miller — the mind behind some of the brand’s most iconic gear — for an inside look at what it really takes to design outdoor equipment that lasts. From the Xpot’s award-winning origins to the engineering upgrades behind the new Ultralite XR air mat, Tim pulls back the curtain on the design decisions, trade-offs, and material innovations that keep Sea To Summit at the pointy end of the market.

Be it the bombproof weld construction of the updated air mat range, the clever Memory Lux pillow solving the ‘home pillow hogging the boot’ problem, or the tantalising tease of an airbeam mozzy net on the horizon — tune in for an hour and a half of product insights straight from the source!

Real world testing. Credit: Sea To Summit

Shortcuts:

0:00 — Intro & welcome: Ben and Lauren introduce Tim Miller, senior product designer at Sea to Summit

1:45 — Tim’s background: How he stumbled into Sea to Summit after university, starting unpaid at a children’s IKEA desk

5:00 — The design team: How the long-tenured team of six designers collaborates and avoids working in silos

8:40 — Sea to Summit’s design philosophy: Ground-up original design vs the “me-too” factory approach common in the industry

11:00 — Manufacturing process: Factory visits, quick prototyping, and the story of designing a machine when no existing equipment could make what they wanted

13:10 — Field testing & expeditions: Design team Kimberley packraft trips, testing prototypes in the wild, and the brutal feedback culture

17:15 — Working 2 years ahead: The challenge of designing for 2028 while reacting to what competitors launch today

19:20 — The ultralight balance: Why Sea to Summit won’t sacrifice durability for weight claims, and the lightest-isn’t-always-best debate

25:15 — Sustainability: Sea to Summit’s approach — durability as the best environmental policy, solution-dyed fabrics, and replaceable buckles

31:45 — 2026 sleep systems: Deep dive into the new Circuit sleeping bag — the spiritual successor to the original Trek

37:15 — Women’s fit sleeping bags: Lauren makes a passionate case for keeping women’s specific sizing in the range

39:00 — Air mat updates: The new Ultralite XR — thermally reflective film insulation, dramatically reduced bulk, and the improved weld construction

45:40 — The Comfort Deluxe mat: The 10cm car camping mat that actually folds up properly

51:45 — Pillows: The upgraded Premium Pillow, Down Pillow, and Tim’s passion project — the Memory Lux adjustable pillow

54:40 — Liners: Thermalite vs Coolmax fabrics explained, Tim’s controversial hot tip for the Breeze liner

1:05:30 — Other new products: Pack taps refresh, hydration bladders, and the X range and dinnerware updates

1:06:50 — Community questions: Mat longevity in humid climates, sleeping bag temperature ratings, what’s in the pipeline for 2027/28

1:09:10 — The big teaser: Tim drops the airbeam sealed mozzy net passion project — Sea to Summit entering the airbeam category

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

Podcasts:

Hardkorr 12V Coffee Pod Machine

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep 196 – Sea to Summit Design Process & New Gear 2026 with Tim Miller appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep 195 – Sleep Tight: Comfort & Shelter at Camp – Q&A Edition

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 03:13:52 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Rest assured — we’ve got your camp comfort questions covered.

From self-inflating mats versus air mattresses to the best sleeping bags for bigger people, a comfortable camp starts with the right sleep system — and in this episode, Ben and Lauren are answering your biggest questions about beds, bags, tents, and shelter to help you build a setup that actually works.

Whether you’re weighing up stretchers against air beds (bad back and all), wondering if that new down bag smell is normal, or trying to track down a light and easy-to-roll swag for solo adventures — our gear gurus cover it all. They also tackle the big shelter debates: pop-up tents for boat and island camping, compact 4-season family tents, the cheapie tents from Kmart and Big W, air tents from Outdoor Connection and Zempire, and how to stop your gazebo from becoming a kite in high winds.

Tune in for real-world advice, honest opinions, and practical tips to help you sleep sounder and camp smarter!

The right gear means you can sleep comfortably anywhere.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

03:43 – Choosing a sleeping mat

08:27 – How to repair leaks on sleeping mats

11:15 – Bed options for mobility issues

15:17 – Sleeping bags for larger people

19:35 – ‘Wet dog’ new down bag odour

20:57 – Swags for solo female travellers and solo camping safety

27:34 – Mattress toppers for swags

29:30 – Pop-up tent alternatives and four-season tents for families

40:05 – Tents for beginners and bad backs

43:50 – Cheap vs quality tents

45:08 – Opinion on Outdoor Connection air tents

47:53 – Roof covers vs tarps

51:19 – Gazebos in high winds

56:57 – Outro

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

Podcasts:

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep 195 – Sleep Tight: Comfort & Shelter at Camp – Q&A Edition appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep 194 – 12V Appliances Are A Thing Now

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 02:57:47 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Watts cooking in the world of 12V?

From fridges and kettles to coffee machines and air fryers, 12V appliances are no longer just a novelty – they’re fast becoming essential kit for the modern camper. But with great power comes great responsibility (to your battery!), and not every gadget on the market is worth the amp draw.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren plug into the world of 12V appliances, breaking down which ones are genuinely worth running off-grid, what realistic power requirements look like, and how to integrate them into your camping or touring setup without flattening your battery before breakfast.

Tune in for the practical lowdown on what’s useful, what’s overkill, and what’s here to stay!

For the coffee snobs: capsule coffee right in your campsite

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:34 – Power requirements and setups

08:05 – Hardkorr 12V Coffee Machine review

13:30 – Sandwich presses and jaffle makers in the real world

16:55 – Induction cooktops pros and cons

19:08 – Air fryers, ovens, kettles and rechargables

33:00 – Managing air conditioning expectations

41:45 – Some specialised appliances

45:16 – Outro

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

Hardkorr 12V Sandwich Press with Grill Plate

KickAss 12V Camping Jaffle Maker

Companion Roam Sandwich Grill Press

Westinghouse Double Induction Cooktop 2400W

Companion Roam 240V Induction Cooktop Single

KickAss QuickFire Portable 2000W Induction Cooktop

Road Chef 12 Volt Air Fryer 3L

Hardkorr 12V 3 Litre Air Fryer

Companion Roam 4L 12V Air Fryer

Travel Buddy 12V Portable Marine Oven

Road Chef Big Bertha 12V Oven

Hardkorr 300W 12V Air Oven

Hardkorr 12V Quick-Boil Portable Kettle

Companion Aerobreeze ProMist 25cm Misting Fan

KickAss Portable Hanging Fan

Coleman Rechargeable Lithium Ion Fan

Companion Rechargeable Camp Shower

Companion Roam Rinser

KickAss 400W Portable Air Conditioner

Cybertake S1 Pro Portable Air Conditioner

Companion Ezywash Washing Machine

KickAss 24V / 12V Electric Blanket

KickAss 12V Portable Outdoor Cinema Projector

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep 194 – 12V Appliances Are A Thing Now appeared first on Snowys Blog.

How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag

Ben Collaton — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 04:57:00 +0000

As a technical and thoroughly researched component of your sleep setup, the down sleeping bag requires adequate cleaning and good maintenance for both longevity and optimum performance in extreme outdoor conditions.

In this blog, we bivvy down on how to effectively wash a down sleeping bag for sweeter dreams and squeaky-clean camping trips.

Let’s get down to it…

Your bag is built for adventure, but it’s important to keep it clean. Image: Sea to Summit

What’s Required?

Down wash – specialised down wash is formulated to clean and restore the water repellency, without damaging the fill. This is why it’s important to use it instead of conventional detergents.
Large front-loading washing machine – Yep, you’re going to have to get yourself down to the local laundromat! Home washing machines are too small, lacking enough circulation of water to clean the bag efficiently. Top-loading washing machines generally also have an agitator, which can damage the baffles on your bag. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid them.
Front-loading dryer – It’s ideal to use the biggest dryer you have available to you. If you’re finding you need to stuff it into your dryer, it’s too small and the bag won’t dry efficiently. This can cause damage to your bag.
Tennis balls or wool dryer balls – this is to ensure that the down doesn’t clump together as it dries.

You’ll need some down wash, tennis or dryer balls, a large front loader, and a front-loading dryer.

What to Avoid When Washing A Down Bag

Bleach, conventional detergents, or washing powder
Top-loading washing machines
Dry-cleaning

How To Wash Your Down Sleeping Bag in a Front Loader Machine

Check the wash instructions on your sleeping bag, as this will provide specific information about what temperature to set the machine and the settings to apply.

Turn the bag inside out and put it in the machine
Ensure there isn’t residual washing powder in there first, before adding the volume of down wash according to the label
Set the machine to the correct temperature, and set to the ‘delicate’ or ‘gentle’ cycle
Remove when the cycle has finished, and check it over

Add to the tumble dryer on the ‘low heat’ (‘gentle’) setting, with dryer or tennis balls to prevent clumping

After washing, pop your sleeping bag in a dryer with some tennis balls to prevent clumping.

How To Handwash Your Down Sleeping Bag in a Bathtub

Turn the bag inside out with all the zips and tabs closed
Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water (or whatever temperature the bag’s instructions suggest)
Add the recommended volume of down wash
Lie the bag out flat in the tub, and gently massage in the wash
Leave it to soak for about an hour
Drain the tub and fill it will water to rinse the bag
Leave to soak in the water for around 15 minutes
Gently press on the bag remove the soap, and repeat this a couple of times until no suds remain
Drain the tub, then press on the bag gently to remove excess water
If your dryer is not big enough, you can take it to your local laundromat. Or, lay it out flat on a drying rack or clothesline in a warm, ventilated area – indoors or outdoors. You will need to give it a gentle shake every now and again to ensure the down doesn’t clump.

A down sleeping bag needs to remain in good condition to perform ideally in severe weather conditions. Image: Sea to Summit

How To Keep Your Down Bag in Good Condition

Use A Sleeping Bag Liner

Use a sleeping bag liner every single time you use the bag. This will minimise the sweat and oils from your skin that tarnish the bag and affect its insulation.

Go to Bed Clean!

On a longer trek, this may be tricky to avoid – but try not to sleep in your bag wearing dirty clothing. Wipe down your face and neck with a baby wipe too, as this is where most of the oils can rub off and onto the hood. Essentially, the cleaner you are in your bag, the less dirty your bag will become.

Using a clean liner will prevent oil and dirt from building up inside your newly clean bag.

Spot Clean Regularly

If you do spill or smear something on your bag, spot clean it as soon as you can with a damp cloth.

Air it Out After Use

When you arrive home from a trip, spread your sleeping out to air-dry for a couple of hours. This will dry any residual moisture from sweat or condensation.

If you do spill or smear something on your bag, spot clean it as soon as you can. Image: Sea to Summit

Store it Properly

Avoid storing your bag in its compression stuff sack, as this can damage the down and reduce its performance. Instead, stash it in the larger storage bag that it comes equipped with. This will help to keep the fill in good condition for as long as possible.

That’s all, Folks!

Don’t put off washing your down sleeping bag any longer – just like the feeling of fresh sheets, a freshly laundered bag is going to feel amazing after a vigorous day of adventure!

Just like the feeling of fresh sheets, a freshly laundered bag is going to feel amazing after a vigorous day of adventure! Image: Sea to Summit

When was the last time you washed your down bag (if ever)? Go on, be honest!

The post How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep 193 – Powering the Outdoors: Q&A Edition

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 02:36:13 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From power banks to generator gripes, we’ve summarised all your camping electricity questions!

In this episode, we’ve gathered four years’ worth of conversations about camping power systems and collated them into one info-packed episode. Ben and Lauren synthesise their accumulated knowledge on AGM versus lithium batteries, solar controllers, and the maths behind keeping your campsite charged – from calculating amp hours for multi-day fridge setups to connecting mismatched solar panels in parallel.

Tune in for practical solutions ranging from the ideal pairing of a 100Ah battery with a 200-250W solar blanket, why 240V inverters can be efficiency vampires, and how to diplomatically handle the campsite neighbour whose generator has been humming for eight hours straight!

Power up your campsite: set yourself up to stay offgrid for longer

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

03:51 – Small options for recharging a phone

05:10 – Best battery packs for 70L Fridge

11:20 – Does Ben have AGM or lithium batteries in his car

12:02 – Best way to power 35L fridge & phone for 4-5 nights

17:10 – Do I need separate MPPT controllers for each solar panel?

20:35 – Best way to manage generator noise in a campsite

25:34 – Outro

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

HardKorr Battery Box

AGM & Lithium Batteries

Portable Power Banks

Solar Panels and Blankets

Solar Charge Controllers, cables & connectors

Portable Fridges

Podcasts:

Ep 23 – Campsite Q&A’s with Ben & Lauren

Ep 92 – Campsite Q&A’s #5 with Ben & Lauren

Ep 117 – Campsite Q&A’s #6 with Ben & Lauren

Ep 119 – Campsite Q&A’s #8 with Ben & Lauren

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep 193 – Powering the Outdoors: Q&A Edition appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep192 – Underrated Camping Gear That Just Works

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 04:12:53 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

The unsung heroes of camping: gear that quietly earns its keep…

Ben and Lauren pull back the curtain on their personal camping preferences, revealing favourite gear, hilarious camp fails, and Ben and Lauren celebrate the overlooked essentials that don’t get the glory but absolutely deserve it, drawing on insights from the entire Snowys crew and their passionate Facebook community. Our gear gurus explore humble heroes like paintbrushes for cleanup (thanks Bob West), pumps for deflating mats, collapsible buckets for hand washing, and the legendary “hot cross bun” lights that keep popping up in recommendations.

The conversation features contributions from team members like Cory, Jake, Hardy, and Brooke, plus community legends like Fiona, Muzzi, and countless others who’ve shared their low-key game-changers. From Sea to Summit pocket showers to collapsible Tupperware and portable fans that battle condensation, tune in for the practical picks that won’t break the bank but will absolutely improve your camping experience.

Underrated Camping Gear: making off-grid living a little more comfortable

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

(contributors listed in order of mentions)

02:30 – Ben – Host

04:46 – Lauren – Host

05:28 – Corey – Snowys Continuous Improvement Manager

06:56 – Jono – Snowys Dispatch Manager

09:28 – Jake – Snowys Online product coordinator

11:55 – Bec – Snowys Brendale Store Team Member

13:09 – Jacob – Snowys Brendale Store Manager

14:02 – Hardy – Snowys Keswick Store Manager

15:03 – Nicole – Snowys Warranty Team

15:47 – Kaya – Snowys Customer Service Champion

16:45 – Ava – Snowys Keswick Store Team

19:48 – Brooke – Snowys Brendale Store Team & Warranty Coordinator

21:07 – Janet Moffett – Snowys Camping Banter Member

21:35 – Caelum Luke – Snowys Camping Banter Member

22:03 – Muzzy Karra – Snowys Camping Banter Member

22:34 – Alyshia Ford – Snowys Camping Banter Member

23:10 – Danielle Rogers – Snowys Camping Banter Member

23:40 – Aki Steinhorst – Snowys Camping Banter Member

24:02 – Andrew Dorney – Snowys Camping Banter Member

25:10 – Grant Schumacher – Snowys Keswick Store Team

25:57 – Rob Freeman – Snowys Camping Banter Member

26:26 – Wanda Daybell – Snowys Camping Banter Member

27:04 – Tawanda Zhungu – Snowys Camping Banter Member

28:02 – Alex James – Snowys Camping Banter Member

28:04 – Chris Walton – Snowys Camping Banter Member

28:13 – Sky Armstrong – Snowys Camping Banter Member

28:42 – Fiona Ludbrook – Snowys Camping Banter Member

Mentioned in This Episode:

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep192 – Underrated Camping Gear That Just Works appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep191 – What’s Hot This Summer At Snowys

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:06:30 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Summer’s sizzling sellers: what’s heating up the Snowys shelves right now…

Ben and Lauren kick off from their shiny new studio, reflecting on 2025’s highlights before diving into Snowys’ top summer sellers. Our gear gurus unveil the ten products dominating sales right now – from Coleman’s instant setup heroes and JetBoil’s cooking wizardry to Exped’s comfort champions and Hard Korr’s legendary lanterns (affectionately dubbed “Hot Cross Buns”).

The conversation covers everything from reversing cameras and director’s chairs to mega shelters and sleeping mats, plus an honourable mention for the 360° Degrees Furno combo that’s turning heads. With insights into the Snowys Club monthly giveaway and bold winter predictions, tune in to discover what gear has captured Australia’s camping obsession this season.

Snowys unplugged: our gear gurus go off-grid, and off-script!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro & New Studio

03:05 – Reflecting on 2025.

06:53 – Snowys Club & Monthly Giveaway

09:15 – Product #1: Coleman Instant Up Screenhouse

11:03 – Product #2: Coleman Packaway Table and Bench Set

12:44 – Product 3: Exped Widget Pump

14:40 – Product 4: Jetboil Genesis 2-Burner Stove

19:05 – Product 5: Coleman Instant Up 10P Northstar Tent

23:55 – Product 6: Blackwolf Compact Director’s Chair

25:29 – Product 7: Coleman Event 15 Deluxe Shelter

27:22 – Product 8: Exped MegaMat

31:45 – Product 9: Oricom Wireless Reversing Camera

34:20 – Product Item #10: Hard Korr “Hot Cross Buns” (U-Lite Lanterns)

39:10 – Honourable Mention: 360° Degrees Furno Stove and Pot Set

42:00 – Winter Predictions

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

Coleman Instant Up Screenhouse

Coleman Packaway Table and Bench Set

Exped Widget Pump

Jetboil Genesis Basecamp 2-Burner Stove System

Coleman Instant Up 10P Northstar Tent

Blackwolf Compact Director’s Chair

Coleman Event 15 Deluxe Shelter

Exped MegaMat

Oricom Wireless Reversing Camera

Hard Korr “Hot Cross Buns” (U-Lite Lanterns)

360° Degrees Furno Stove and Pot Set

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep191 – What’s Hot This Summer At Snowys appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep190 – Inside Camp Life with the Snowys Team

Ben and Lauren — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:11:55 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

**Snowys unplugged: our gear gurus go off-grid and off-script! Here’s what the team really packs for a camping trip…**

Ben and Lauren pull back the curtain on their personal camping preferences, revealing favourite gear, hilarious camp fails, and the luxury items they can’t leave behind. Our hosts share insights from across the Snowys team about what equipment really earns its place, explore campsite selection wisdom, and decode which gear trends are rising (and which are on their way out).

The conversation covers weird and wonderful camping hacks that actually work, lightbulb moments that changed their outdoor approach, and the honest difference between true essentials and nice-to-haves. Yep, even the experts have failures, favourites, and unexpected indulgence!

Snowys unplugged: our gear gurus go off-grid, and off-script!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

03:26 – What is Ben and Lauren’s Favourite Piece of Camping Equipment?

12:19 – Snowys Staff’s Favourite Camping or Outdoor Item

18:40 – What to Look for When Choosing a Campsite

22:37 – What Camping Gear is Trending Vs Phasing Out?

27:39 – Ben and Lauren’s Funniest Camp Fails and Best Lightbulb Moments

33:03 – Weird and Wonderful Camping Hacks, Gadgets, or Solutions

38:40 – Ben and Lauren’s Luxury, Non-Essential Camping Items

41:05 – Ben and Lauren’s Personal Essential Camping Items

49:06 – Summary

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

Collapsible Space Saving tubs

Sleeping bag liners

Trekking poles

Soft coolers

Korjo Digital Luggage Scale

Fridges & Coolers

Sea To Summit X Mug

Pacsafe Cashsafe Anti-Theft Travel Wallet Belt

Jaffle irons

JetBoil Zip 0,8L

JetBoil Minimo Cooking System with Pot Support

Dome tents

Dometic Santorini range

MSR Whisperlite International Multi-Fuel Stove

Camp ovens

Dual zone fridges

Drawer fridges

Podcasts:

Ep76 – Choosing a Campsite

Ep57 – Weird & Wonderful Camping Gear

Ep96 – Weird & Wonderful Camping Gear #2

Ep123 – Weird & Wonderful Camping Gear #3

Ep71 – Ben’s Setup

Ep72 – Lauren’s Setup

Other:

WikiCamps Australia

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep190 – Inside Camp Life with the Snowys Team appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep189 – ChatGPT Goes Camping: Your Questions Answered

Ben and Lauren — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:49:31 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

In the spirit of this week’s episode, our copywriter resentfully asked ChatGPT to write the overview below:

“Buckle up, campers. In this episode, Ben and Lauren put the bot to work tackling Nicole’s curly questions about staying dry in wild weather and keeping your back happy on solo trips. From wind-proof setups to back-friendly sleep rigs, ChatGPT cops a grilling on accuracy, context, and its suspiciously American taste in gear.

There are shopping lists, packing plans, pump chats, and a budget smackdown with Ben. It’s all the camp chaos you love, wrapped in Aussie banter. It’s AI meets the great outdoors — what could go wrong?”

It’s AI meets the great outdoors — what could go wrong?

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:10 – Ben and Lauren’s Take on AI

06:40 – Your Questions: Answered by ChatGPT

06:45 – Easy Camping Options for Wind and Rain

10:55 – ChatGPT’s Interpretation: Accuracy Vs Context and Creativity

11:55 – Lauren’s Interpretation

13:55 – Best Solo Camping Sleeping Options for Back Support

22:29 – ChatGPT’s Shopping List and Single Car Packing Layout

26:44 – ChatGPT Vs Ben: Budget Friendly Options with Back Support

27:35 – Better Stretcher Suggestions

28:42 – ChatGPT’s US Influence

29:52 – Pumps and Inflation

30:35 – ChatGPT’s Technical Packing Plan

33:11 – Summary

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

4-6 Person Camping Tents

Helinox Cot Stretchers

OZtrail Easy Fold Stretchers

Podcasts:

Ep69 – From the Ground Up: Talking Groundsheets

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep189 – ChatGPT Goes Camping: Your Questions Answered appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep188 – Campsite Setup: Q&A Edition

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 22:45:03 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From sand invasion to stake placement: your campsite setup questions answered…

In this compilation episode, Ben and Lauren tap back into previous episodes to tackle a collection of listener queries about the practical side of campsite living. Our gear gurus share strategies for DIY windbreaks, reveal their at-home gear maintenance rituals, and decode effective food protection from persistent pests.

The conversation covers surprising gear that proved unexpectedly useful (and even the mistakes that weren’t), Ben’s definition of “luxury” camping items that earn their weight, and the emergency kit essentials that could save your trip. A practical Q&A session that proves successful camping isn’t about having every gadget – it’s about knowing which problems to solve and which rituals to respect!

Ben and Lauren tackle a collection of listener queries about the practical side of campsite living.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:17 – Limiting Sand and Dirt in Our Swags

03:44 – The Right Way to Stake a Tent

07:52 – Making Your Own Wind Break

12:55 – Unpacking At-Home Rituals, Gear Checks, and Maintenance

16:40 – How to Secure Food From Pests

24:24 – Two Items You Thought Would be Useless But Turned Out to be Useful, and Visa-Versa?

27:44 – Ben’s “Luxury” Camping Items

30:07 – Items to Keep in the Emergency Kit

34:19 – Summary

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

Muk Mat

Camping Tents

4WD Awnings

Campfire Extension Fork 2 Prong

Collapsible Space Saving Pots and Tubs

Portable Coffee Makers

12V Fans

First Aid Kits

Personal Locator Beacons

Podcasts & Blogs:

Ep45 – Fire Ban Seasons with the CFS

Ep68 – Spare Bits for Your Caravan Kit with Kev

Ep71 – Ben’s Setup

Ep72 – Lauren’s Setup

5 Reasons to Take a Paintbrush Camping!

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep188 – Campsite Setup: Q&A Edition appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep187 – Snowys’ Christmas Gift Ideas ’25

Ben and Lauren — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 01:32:29 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Stumped for stocking stuffers? Banking on something brilliant? The ultimate outdoor gift guide just dropped…

Ben and Lauren unwrap Snowys’ 2025 Christmas lineup, from compact coffee makers to game-changing gadgets that’ll have outdoor enthusiasts buzzing. Our gear gurus explore everything lightweight and practical from BioLite lighting solutions, Tiegear essentials, and JetBoil speed to luxury picks like portable air conditioners and Quest Air Sofas that redefine camping comfort.

The conversation covers 12V appliances, cooler options for every adventure style, reversing cameras, headlamp heroes from Petzl to Hardkorr, and the entire KickAss gadget arsenal. Whether you’re shopping for coffee connoisseurs, tech enthusiasts, or families ready to hit the trail, tune in for gift inspiration that goes beyond the camping clichés!

Ben and Lauren unwrap Snowys’ 2025 Christmas lineup,

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:20 – Christmas Inspiration in 2025

04:10 – Christmas Gift Ideas

04:34 – BioLite Luci Lanterns, String Lights, and Site Lights

06:45 – Tiegear Guy Ropes and Pegs

09:19 – 12V Appliances

13:34 – Coleman Pro Can Soft Coolers, Glacier Icebox, and Hard Cooler

16:12 – Cybertake Pro Portable Air Conditioner

18:23 – Oricom Reversing Camera

19:52 – Caribee Kokoda Gear Bag

21:07 – JetBoil Stoves

21:59 – FlexTail Pumps

23:09 – Gasmate Orbiter Portable BBQ

25:11 – Petz, KickAss, OZtrail, Black Diamond, Ledlenser and Hardkorr Headlamps

26:19 – All KickAss Gadgets

28:53 – Quest Air Sofas

30:05 – Companion Roam Series

34:04 – Petrol Usage When Charging 12V Devices

35:07 – Summary

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

BioLite Luci Lanterns

BioLite Solar String Lights

BioLite Site Lights Overhead & Stake Lights

Tiegear

Hardkorr 12V Coffee Pod Machine

Hardkorr 12V 3-Litre Air Fryer

Hardkorr 300W 12V Air Oven

KickAss QuickFire Portable 2000W Induction Cooktop

KickAss 12V Camping Jaffle Maker

Coleman Pro Can Soft Coolers

Coleman Glacier Ice Boxes

Coleman Hard Coolers

Cybertake Pro Portable Air Conditioners

Oricom Wireless Reversing Camera with Magnetic Base WRC001

Caribee Kokoda Gear Bags

JetBoil Stoves

FLEXTAIL Pumps

Gasmate Orbiter Portable BBQ

Petzl Headlamps

KickAss Headlamp

OZtrail Headlamps

Black Diamond Headlamps

Companion Roam Series

Podcasts:

Ep82 – Christmas Gift Guide ’22

Ep115 – Christmas Gift Guide ’23

Ep140 – Christmas Gift Guide ’24

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep187 – Snowys’ Christmas Gift Ideas ’25 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep186 – All-Conditions Camp Comfort: Q&A Edition

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 23:07:57 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From scorchers to soakers…

Ben and Lauren tackle a compilation of listener questions about camping through Australia’s wildly unpredictable conditions, from torrential downpours to sweltering heat waves. Our gear gurus share battle-tested tips for camping in the rain, decode mozzie and wildlife management strategies, and reveal the clothing and equipment choices that actually make a difference across different weather scenarios.

The conversation covers preparing gear for humid conditions, staying comfortable, and the practical wisdom that promises manageable adventures. Tune in for how to embrace the forecast on every outdoor adventure – because camping in less-than-perfect conditions is only half the Australian experience.

Our gear gurus share battle-tested tips for camping in the rain.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:19 – Shout Out to Larry

02:42 – Join the Snowys Club!

04:46 – All-Weather Camping: A Compilation of Q&A’s

5:36 – Tips for Camping in the Rain

07:02 – Managing Mozzies, Pests, & Wildlife

14:53 – Clothing & Equipment for Different Weather

19:58 – Preparing Gear for Muggy Conditions

26:39 – Staying Comfortable in Extreme Heat or Wind

36:33 – Summary

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

Tarps & Matting

Shelters

Sea to Summit Mosquito Net – Double

Insect Protection

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent

Hardkorr Lifestyle 4 Bar Orange & White LED Camping Light Kit

Down Sleeping Bags

Synthetic Sleeping Bags

Gazebos

OZtrail Gazebos

Air Gazebos

Quest Outdoors Air Gazebo Tent 3.0

Zempire Aerobase Air Shelters

Zempire Roadiebase Air Shelters

Pegs, Poles & Repair

Podcasts:

Ep8 – Dealing with Wind & Rain When Camping

Ep59 – Shelters for Rainy Days

Ep38 – Awnings, Shelters & Shades for Summer

Ep31 – Creepy Crawlies at the Campsite

Ep127 – Managing Mouldy Gear

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep186 – All-Conditions Camp Comfort: Q&A Edition appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep185 – Pumped Up for the Outdoors

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 03:12:46 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From lung-busting manual effort to push-button perfection, Ben and Lauren talk inflation innovation

In this episode, our gear gurus blow through Snowys’ comprehensive pump range from basic manual options to advanced 12V, 240V, and rechargeable powerhouses that handle both inflation and deflation. Be it PSI considerations, comparing compact solutions against mega pump monsters, and decoding the versatility differences that separate budget picks from premium performers – this conversation covers it all. Tune in to this comprehensive guide, designed for anyone who’s had enough of the puff!

Our gear gurus blow through Snowys’ comprehensive pump range.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Overview of the Snowys Pump Range

02:23 – Basic Pump Options (Inflation Only)

09:43 – Advanced Pump Options (Inflation and Deflation): 12V and 240V

15:04 – Rechargeable Pump Options

16:53 – Considering PSI

21:24 – Versatility of Rechargeable Pumps

21:48 – Compact Pump Options

29:05 – Mega Pump Options

32:24 – So… What Pumps for What?

34:14 – Zempire Supercell Vs Dometic Gale

37:23 – Valve Types

44:43 – Lauren and Ben’s Pumped Up Set-Up

48:56 – Summary

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

All Pumps

Sea to Summit Air Stream Dry Sack

OZtrail Air Pump 12V

Coleman Quickpump range

Zempire Monstapump Rechargeable Inflator/Deflator

FLEXTAIL Pumps

Exped Mega Pump

Dometic Gale 12V Pump

Zempire Supercell Pump

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep185 – Pumped Up for the Outdoors appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep184 – Communal Camping

Ben and Lauren — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:18:33 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Building campsite communities that actually work together…

In this episode of the Snowys Camping Show, Ben and Lauren tackle the art of communal camping, from Zempire’s clever Shape Shifter range built for group gatherings to Lauren’s recent multi-family camping lessons. Our gear gurus cover everything from coordinated trips to creating shared living zones with tarps, gazebos, and heavy-duty shelter solutions.

Listen up for the lowdown on how to set up the communal spaces that keep the crew connected, and Ben and Lauren’s take on how to maintain togetherness without the tension.

Listen up for the lowdown on how to set up the communal spaces that keep the crew connected.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:29 – Talking Zempire’s Shape Shifter Range

08:33 – Communal Camping: a ‘Joined’ System

09:58 – Lauren’s Recent Experience with Communal Camping

13:53 – How to Organise a Communal Camping Trip

16:24 – Setting Up for Communal Camping: Shelters and Tarps

19:04 – Gazebos

24:40 – Heavy-Duty Set-Up Options

26:29 – Summary

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

Zempire Shapeshifter range

Naturehike Cloud Skies Tarp

Oztent RV Touring Tents

Quest Outdoors Air Gazebo 3.0

OZtrail Gazebo Portico Deluxe 3.0M

OZtrail Hiker Fly

Podcasts & Blogs:

Ep179 – Dynamic Shelter Solutions

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep184 – Communal Camping appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep183 – From The Archives: Fire Ban Seasons with the CFS

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:37:34 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

They’re our hot weather heroes…

…fighting the flames and forewarning the community of dangerous conditions. While every state and territory have a rural fire service of their own, Ben and Lauren chat with Phil from the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) and extinguish any confusion around Fire Ban Seasons.

From considerations in campfire cooking, to seeking the right refuge – in this heated throwback episode of the Snowys Camping Show, Phil cools the coals and clarifies all regulations that are relevant to travellers and tourers during the Fire Danger periods.

Phil from the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) extinguishes confusion surrounding the Fire Ban Seasons.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:50 – Introducing Phil from the CFS

01:43 – Gas Stove Regulations

04:16 – Travelling During the High Season

08:17 – Radios

09:14 – Protection in Bushfire-Risk Zones

13:08 – Bushfire Refuges

18:04 – Travelling on Foot

20:36 – Identifying a Fire

22:59 – The Fire Ban Season: Unpacked

28:03 – Braziers and Above-Ground Fires

29:20 – Comfort Fires

29:57 – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Legislation

32:15 – “Gas” Stove Terminology

33:33 – Use of Gas Appliances

35:30 – Generators

37:45 – Induction Cooktops

40:00 – Extinguishing a Fire

45:08 – Find Out More or Get Involved!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

Solar and power devices

Other:

What Can I Do / What Can’t I Do?

Bushfire Safer Places and Bushfire Last Resort Refuges

Emergency WA – Fire Danger Ratings

CFS SA – Fire Danger Season Dates

Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service – Campfires and Cooking

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep183 – From The Archives: Fire Ban Seasons with the CFS appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep182 – Warm Nights, Dry Mornings: Rooftop Tent Tips

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 01:43:40 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

When morning dew hits new heights…

Ben and Lauren tackle the challenges of heat and condensation in rooftop tents, touching on how materials, insulation, and ventilation affect your overnight microclimate. Our gear gurus unpack the Inspired Overland Stargazer to illustrate smart design solutions, as well as cover the differences between standard and rooftop tents and the real causes of moisture buildup.

Tune in for your guide to staying dry while camping high!

Ben and Lauren cover the real causes of moisture buildup.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:18 – Condensation While Camping

01:42 – The Inspired Overland Stargazer

03:38 – Addressing Condensation and Heat with Rooftop Tents

04:19 – Insulation

07:05 – Considering Materials for Heat Absorption

07:44 – Choosing When to Camp

08:45 – Standard Tents Vs Rooftop Tents

09:14 – Considering Condensation

12:38 – Causes of and Solutions to Condensation

18:10 – Ventilation

18:50 – Summary

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

Inspired Overland Stargazer Duo Rooftop Tent

Camping Tents

Rooftop Tents

Podcasts & Blogs:

Ep9 – Dealing With Tent Condensation

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep182 – Warm Nights, Dry Mornings: Rooftop Tent Tips appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep181 – Lightweight Rooftop Tents: What’s New

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

The minimalist movement: rooftop tents cutting weight without compromise

Ben and Lauren climb the ladder of the latest lightweight rooftop tent innovations, from 23ZERO’s Super Lite range to Inspired Overland’s carbon fibre brilliance and Darche’s detachable designs. Our gear gurus examine the critical trade-offs between shedding kilos and sacrificing features, explore how new materials and technology are pushing boundaries, and reveal what’s coming down the pipeline like Inspired Overland’s Trailpeak.

From removable features allowing customisable weight versus functionality, to integrated lighting and power points for convenience without bulk – this episode is essential listening for anyone chasing that sweet spot between roof rack-friendly weight and ultimate camping comfort – because sometimes less is more if you’re not losing what matters.

Ben and Lauren climb the ladder of the latest lightweight rooftop tent innovations!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:48 – The Latest in Lightweight Rooftop Tents

02:06 – Reflecting on Ep178

03:22 – 23ZERO Dakota Super Lite Rooftop Tent

04:35 – 23ZERO Saber Super Lite Rooftop Tent

05:44 – 23ZERO Saber Vert-X1450 Hard Shell and Super Fly Lightweight Rooftop Tent

07:12 – Lightweight Vs Features: Determining the Trade-Off

08:54 – Inspired Overland XL Lightweight and Carbonlite Rooftop Tent

09:55 – Inspired Overland Stargazer Duo Rooftop Tent

10:49 – Coming Soon: Inspired Overland Trailpeak Rooftop Tent

12:44 – Darche Detachable Rooftop Tent

13:13 – Front Runner Roof Top Tent

13:52 – Inspired Overland Standard and Carbonlite: Removable Features

16:35 – Technology, Materials, and Sacrifices in Lightweight Rooftop Tents

24:00 – Sleeping Gear and Bedding

25:36 – Integrated Lighting, Power Points, and Other Features

26:27 – Final Thoughts

28:08 – Summary

Mentioned in This Episode:

Products:

23ZERO Dakota Super Lite Rooftop Tent

23ZERO Saber Super Lite Rooftop Tent

23ZERO Saber Vert-X 1450 Hard Shell

23ZERO Super Fly Lightweight Rooftop Tent

Inspired Overland Standard Lightweight Rooftop Tent

Inspired Overland XL Lightweight

Inspired Overland Carbonlite Rooftop Tent

Inspired Overland Stargazer Duo Rooftop Tent

Darche Detachable Rooftop Tent

Front Runner Roof Top Tent

Podcasts & Blogs:

Ep176 – Our 8 Hottest Rooftop Tents

Ep178 – The Best Vehicles to Camp Out Of

Transcript:

Lauren: 00:06
Howdy folks and welcome to the Snoys Camping Show with Ben and Lauren. How are you, Ben?

Ben: 00:11
Well, thank you. I’m just getting over cold, so it might be a little bit of squeak in my voice today, but I’m alright.

Lauren: 00:16
Squeaky.

Ben: 00:17
Yeah.

Lauren: 00:18
Um don’t forget to subscribe wherever you’re listening to your podcast, whether that be uh on uh YouTube or Spotify, your favourite podcast app, and jump into the conversation on the Snowy’s Camping Show Facebook group. Um so today’s episode has um been born from discussions around one of our recent episodes, which was um like what car to choose. You know, you’re looking to purchase a new car, what’s the best vehicle for camping?

Ben: 00:47
Yep.

Lauren: 00:47
Um, and that

The Latest in Lightweight Rooftop Tents

Lauren: 00:48
is we’ve done a few rooftop tent episodes recently. So this one is sort of a I guess a spring off of that and and this other car episode. Uh, and we’re talking talking specifically about the the latest in lightweight rooftop tents.

Ben: 01:02
Um yeah, which is a becoming a bigger and emerging category for sure. Yeah. Or across quite a range of the vehicle types we talked about in our last episode from small SUVs right through to four wheel drives who’ve got the roofload rating, but people are still trying to reduce their um the dynamic load of their vehicle and the roofload rating. So yeah. Um, and manufacturers seem to have made a specific move. Some of them started out there, others who make heavy rooftop tents, big roomy heavy rooftop tents, and I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with those, but we’re talking 80 to 120 kilos for some of these tents. They are heavy items. Uh, we’ll go through some weights here shortly that are a portion of that. Um, and there’s some of those guys who are making heavy rooftop tents, 230 is a classic example. Giving a lot a crack. Yeah, giving uh I mean that he’s 23Zero are always listening to their customers, and all their range is always evolving. They’re constantly taking new models and then they take the best of three models and put it into one new model, and yeah, they’ve um made a bit of a foray into the lightweight space from a few uh angles.

Reflecting on Ep178

Ben: 02:06
So, yeah, as you mentioned, episode 178 just done went recently, talked about different types of vehicles to camp in, heaps of comments on that, lots of photos and stuff as well, which is really cool. So if you interested in the case.

Lauren: 02:15
I haven’t had a chance to go through those yet. I’m really looking, I’ve had a really flat chat week, but I’m looking forward to going through that.

Ben: 02:20
For those who’ve made a comment and haven’t had a response yet, we are behind in catching up with our YouTube conversations. We’ll get there. Um, but lots of shared photos online um of people with their setups, different camp types from corollas through to troopies and all sorts. So yeah. Um so that was really cool. Um, so from that we thought we’ll uh go down this path of lightweight a little bit more because the the question of can I put that on my my vehicle uh comes up a lot. Now, what we’re not going to answer is sit here and say, well, you can or cannot put this on certain cars because I know I talk about the Jimny in particular. There’s a roofload rating there that doesn’t fit with a lot of what people put on top of the car. Whether you do or don’t do that isn’t our space to advise on. Um we’re just trying to find the best solution if you are going to do that.

Lauren: 03:08
So um I do have more to add on that though.

Ben: 03:11
I was gonna say we’ve got more to add before I jump into this. Yep.

Lauren: 03:13
No, we’ll we’ll when we aren’t touching on on the the I.O. tents, we’ll talk about then.

Ben: 03:21
Okay. Well, let’s

23ZERO Dakota Super Lite Rooftop Tent

Ben: 03:22
start with what we’ve got in the snow is range. If you’re thinking I want a rooftop tent, but I want it to be light because you’ve got a small car, this is the range that we’ve got at the moment. And there are we’re we’re just talking about the ones that we sell. So there are manufacturers out there who have similar. Um in a nutshell, they all kind of do very similar things. So I couldn’t put my finger on one of any of these and say that’s the best one. They’re all really good. Um, the 230 Dakota Super Light is kind of where it started. That was 230’s first foray into lightweight tent, only weighed in at 46.7 kilos, including the ladder that was a folding tent, still very unique in that it’s got a small footprint. So if you’ve got a small car without a long roof and you don’t want that overhanging rooftop tent each side, this folding Dakota Super Light is a really good option. And I actually really like it. It sets up really easy. It’s got self-deploying awnings, super simple to set up.

Lauren: 04:14
In fact, it’s very comfortable as well, even though the mattress is a bit thinner, yeah, feels roomy.

Ben: 04:19
Heaps of heaps of foot room, bed space. Probably the hardest bit about the whole pack up and and setup is is the tonneau cover over the top. Like that that would have to be the the oh, you mean when you’re packing it up with it?

Lauren: 04:30
Yeah, but that’s like with all fold-up rooftop tents.

Ben: 04:33
That’s right, yeah, getting it over the top. Um, and

23ZERO Saber Super Lite Rooftop Tent

Ben: 04:35
then they followed that up with a full-length hard share one called the Sabre Super Light, which is about 64.5 kilos. That one I think is being phased out um because uh like it was good, but they just had some things that they weren’t entirely happy about.

Lauren: 04:50
Um and I guess when you say super light, 65 kilos isn’t super light. I mean, it at that point it was definitely super light in terms of other options in the range, especially when you’re talking about a hard shell that opens up like that. Yep. Um, but uh,

Ben: 05:07
Yeah, it was it’s good, it’s a really nice low profile looking tent. It’s kind of got that heavier duty construction with a lower profile, but it’s still a little bit up there in in weight.

Lauren: 05:16
And which which the I think the plus of that particular model for majority of the people I spoke to was, like you say, that packed profile, which allows people to still have it mounted on their rooftop tent and get into a car port or get into car parks or things like that. So um yeah.

Ben: 05:32
It had a thin mat inside and benefited from a addition of um 230 have actually got a mat that goes in there, self-inflating mat. So you can suck the air out of that and then close it down easier. Yeah. Um, so that was an upgrade that was asked

23ZERO Saber Vert-X1450 Hard Shell and Super Fly Lightweight Rooftop Tent

Ben: 05:44
for. Now they’ve taken the super light and a few others and put it all together into their vertex, I think it’s called. That’s a that’s a heavier tent, not in this category here. But uh as a flow on from their super light, they created one called the Superfly, which has got a tonneau cover on it, uh, weighs in at 53.4 kilos. So we’re talking 10 kilos less than the super light. It’s got a thicker mattress. Um, not the same strength on top for roof racks and that sort of thing, but this we’ll get into it shortly. Um, there’s a lot of people things that people are saying, oh, but you can’t do this or you can’t do that with these lightweight rooftop tents.

Lauren: 06:17
That’s the trade-off, though, right? That’s the point. It’s exactly the point. It’s the same as when you are hiking, doing multi-day hiking, and you go with an ultra-light tent, it might only last you um, you know, 2,000 K’s or whatever, because and it might not have as many bells and whistles because it’s ultra-light. Like that’s that’s the point in an ultra-light product, it’s paired back because you’re prioritizing the compactness or the pack size and the overall weight of it.

Ben: 06:44
Yeah. So I was going to cover off on some of those later in this app and and um talk about some of the ways you can get around it.

Lauren: 06:50
Still it’s I mean, unless you want bells and whistles to be made of air, yeah, you’re not getting them in a lightweight version of anything.

Ben: 06:57
Or have the whole thing made of carbon light, uh carbon um and pay 10 grand for your rooftop tent because there are some lightweight options out there, and the biggest complaint is how expensive.

Lauren: 07:08
Yeah, also true.

Ben: 07:10
Um anyway, moving on. Uh so that’s a 23Zero

Lightweight Vs Features: Determining the Trade-Off

Ben: 07:12
range, Inspired Overland.

Lauren: 07:14
I feel like people just like to complain. Which I don’t I don’t want to go there realistically as a whole, but I think sometimes people just like to complain.

Ben: 07:23
You usually hear about the complaints more than the positives. Yeah. It’s the same as here. Usually the customers we speak to are usually the ones with an issue. Those who are happy are at enjoying life because we’ve you know they’re happy.

Lauren: 07:35
Yeah, but I think it’s it’s one of those things where it’s like you’ve got to stop and sort of have a think about it. Yeah. You know, in that sense, because yeah, it’s ultralight, doesn’t have a huge amount of features, it doesn’t have a huge amount of bells and whistles. But then if you’re looking at a rooftop tent that does have all of those features, they’re really heavy. And so then it’s like, oh, but it’s too heavy. Yeah. And then it’s like, okay, so then you look for something that has a trade-off of both, um, the Carbon lite, Inspired Overland Carbon lite, and it’s like, well, it’s too expensive.

Ben: 08:08
So Stargazer, sorry, is the one I was thinking of. That’s the really expensive one.

Lauren: 08:12
So the um, so it’s one of it’s I think it’s just one of those things where when you’re looking at a product, if it’s too much of something or not enough of something, it’s not the right product for you. And it doesn’t mean that it’s a bad product, it just means that it’s not the right product for you. So continuing to sort of ask those questions for yourself about whether or not, ah, is this is it within my budget, is it within my weight rating, is it the features that I like? That’s how you sort of narrow down what’s right for you.

Ben: 08:40
Minimize the compromises.

Lauren: 08:41
Correct. Other people are gonna have a totally different set of requirements to you, and they’re probably gonna love it even if you don’t.

Ben: 08:48
Yeah. You can’t have your cake and eat it too, damn it.

Lauren: 08:50
Yeah, it’s what it’s one, there’s got to be a trade-off somewhere.

Ben: 08:54
So

Inspired Overland XL Lightweight and Carbonlite Rooftop Tent

Ben: 08:54
Inspired Overland, we’ve had Inspired Overland on the show here before. We went to the Sydney show with them to showcase the three tents that we had. We didn’t have the Stargazer at that point in time, but they have got their standard, just their regular, which is a tonneau cover tent, weighs in at 34.5 kilos.

Lauren: 09:11
Yeah.

Ben: 09:11
But we’re talking less than super some light tents. Like it’s yeah, really, really light.

Lauren: 09:17
And like I know there’s lots of footage around of you lifting it up above your health head. I can do that. I can literally pick it up and move it by myself.

Ben: 09:25
So there’s a Standard and an XL at 39 kilos, still under 40 kilos. They’ve then got a Carbon lite one, which has got carbon fiber elements in it. It’s not all carbon fibre, it’s got carbon fiber elements in it. Price goes up, weight comes down, 36.3 kilos. That is a sleek looking rooftop tent. It’s about 12 centimeters high. You can put roof rails on that for lightweight stuff. Like you’re not gonna, once again, it’s lightweight, you’re not gonna go and put swags and stuff on on top of that because you’re trying to keep your roofload down, right?

Lauren: 09:53
Yeah.

Ben: 09:54
Latest version,

Inspired Overland Stargazer Duo Rooftop Tent

Ben: 09:55
which is really cool. I love this tent, is the Stargazer. Um, lots of questions about that, and actually, that’s led me to another episode that we’re gonna talk about with condensation and insulation, all that sort of stuff. So stay tuned for the conversation about that.

Lauren: 10:08
That is cool.

Ben: 10:09
It’s a sweet looking when I saw it.

Lauren: 10:11
I was like, oh, like it was Christmas, climbed in, laid in it. It’s just cool.

Ben: 10:15
Yeah, and look, it’s not cheap. And we’re not gonna sit here and mass cheap. Because it’s not cheap, because it’s got heaps of carbon fiber elements to it.

Lauren: 10:21
Um or the hit like the cross struts, it’s different to their other tents because it doesn’t open up at like an apex hinge. It’s got that cross strut which lifts the whole roof up, giving you about a foot of extra space down at the foot end or the head end, however you get in. And all of those, that X hinge structure is carbon.

Ben: 10:39
And even the extendable poles that hold it up, that’s carbon fiber as well. And it also has a clear top on it. Check it out, it’s pretty cool. Um, and then

Coming Soon: Inspired Overland Trailpeak Rooftop Tent

Ben: 10:49
there’s one called the Trail peak. This weighs in at 38 kilos, and I’m really excited about this one.

Lauren: 10:53
Now I have I’m really excited about that, and this might be me getting a rooftop tent.

Ben: 10:57
Yeah, yeah, it’s one I’d buy for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s 38 kilos, it’s got more room than any of the tents we’ve just talked about here so far. Um, I have seen the pre-production version. We’ve got one in our warehouse and we went out of play. Um, that’s not they had made a few tweaks, but you can sit upright just about anywhere in the tent. It’s a similar design.

Lauren: 11:22
There are some other brands, like I think um uh Darchy, I think Buffalo, and um what’s that other brand? Um I don’t know.

Ben: 11:33
I think there’s a few of them. I reckon XTM.

Lauren: 11:34
Or Thule, or however people pronounce that brand, they’ve got one that looks similar to that. There’s a few different brands that do what do a rooftop tent in this style where it the hinges are on the long side, right?

Ben: 11:46
That’s right, yeah. It opens up sideways.

Lauren: 11:48
S o it opens up sideways and then the roof pops out and it ends up being like a square.

Ben: 11:53
It’s almost like a box, yeah. It kind of overhangs on one side for a bit of protection where the door is, but there’s heaps of space to sit upside. And because you’ve got upright ends, you don’t have that little sandwich kind of V shape in the end where you know tall people are trying to jam their feet.

Lauren: 12:06
Really boxy inside.

Ben: 12:07
I’m pretty excited about that one. I think that’s gonna go really well uh for us and it’s gonna complete what we’ve only got three or four in the IO range now, but that’s gonna create a really good um sort of range for those guys. Now that that’s a tonneau-covered one, the same with the Standard and the XL, so you can’t put roof racks and stuff on top. But once again, this is to reduce your roofload rating. Now, people are gonna look at that and go, oh, it hasn’t got an awning to get in. They’re gonna have a winge and can complain about all sorts of stuff. But the thing is it’s 38 kilos and you’ve got heaps of room inside and it’s waterproof.

Lauren: 12:33
And you can’t remove it by yourself.

Ben: 12:35
You can remove it by yourself. So, yep, there’s gonna be negatives for some. So if you want all that, then get a heavier tent. Yeah. We’re preempting what everyone’s gonna say about these things ahead of time.

Darche Detachable Rooftop Tent

Ben: 12:44
Now, a couple of other ones, Darche’s detachable rooftop tent, a bit of a different one. Kudos to Darche doing different things. The same with the they’ve got a rooftop tent that’s got a um solar panel integrated into a heavy range out different category than this. But these this is a detachable one, so you can set it up on the roof of your car, or you can take it off and put it next to your tent. That’s 54 kilos, quite a unique setup there, would would fit that you know, small category of people who want that feature.

Lauren: 13:12
Yeah.

Ben: 13:12
Um, and front runner

Front Runner Roof Top Tent

Ben: 13:13
classic, a bit like um 23Zero’s Dakota Super lite, um, weighs in at 47 kilos, about the same range, just that classic folding style. So that is the range that we’ve got online at the moment that is kind of well, there’s one that’s 64 kilos, but we’re talking 55 kilos and under for all those rooftops.

Lauren: 13:32
Um 64 kilo when the Super lite is phased out anyway.

Ben: 13:35
It is, yeah. So lots of options for smaller cars and lighter weight setups.

Lauren: 13:40
You did sort of mention the Jimny before, um, and it is a bit of a fine line because the uh the stock Jimny, I think from memory is 30 kilo roofload rating, right? So

Inspired Overland Standard and Carbonlite: Removable Features

Lauren: 13:52
um regardless of whether or not you you’ve got a GVM or something to increase your overall vehicle load, that’s something that you need to sort out for your vehicle. But um the Inspired Overland standard, which is 34 and a half, um, and the Inspired Overland Carbon lite. Now the the features of these that you can remove. Um, so the ladder itself weighs nine kilos, and that’s not included in the stated weight. So the state and and that has to be packed separately, right? In your vehicle. So um you do need to account in your overall GVM that nine kilos for the ladder weight, but that’s not on your roof. So, for example, that’s standard at about 34 and a half. Now the awning poles weigh between about 400 and 500 grams. So for both of those poles, you’re probably looking at, you know, 800 to a kilo. You’ve got your tensioner poles, which are 150 grams each, so about 300 grams for that. Uh, and then your anti-condensation mat is about two kilos, and the mattress is around about um three to four kilos, roughly. So, not having weighed all of these components individually, just knowing what those components weigh generally. Um, around about six to seven kilos of that three, 34.5 kilo tent weight is removable.

Ben: 15:25
So you’re throwing, you’ve got to put a roof rack system on there. So depending on your roof rack system, you can probably come pretty close to that rating. If that’s something you’re trying to stick to by the law, heaps of cars out there probably aren’t gonna be like that.

Lauren: 15:37
Yeah, but don’t do it because you’re calling. We’re not gonna advise you to do that.

Ben: 15:41
We’re gonna say do I do it.

Lauren: 15:42
Um, but yeah, so 34 and a half, standard 10. If you remove all of those bits and pack them inside your vehicle instead, um, and just add them every time you set up, you’re looking at 28 and a half, 27 to 28 and a half kilos.

Ben: 15:57
Yep.

Lauren: 15:58
So that is under your 30 kilo weight rating. Um, same thing for the carbon light, which is 36, you’re probably looking at 29 to 30 kilos.

Ben: 16:08
But by the time you add roof rack on it, you’re you’re probably over anyway. So it’s hard to get under. But if you are looking for it.

Lauren: 16:13
It’s hard to get under, but there is some flexibility there when it comes to removing those components and packing them separate.

Ben: 16:20
So, in terms of can you or can’t you, when as we’ve said, we’ll say it again, we’re not going to sit here and say you should or you shouldn’t. That’s uh as guided by your insurance company and however, what whatever um how closely you want to play uh that line to the to the rules. Um,

Technology, Materials, and Sacrifices in Lightweight Rooftop Tents

Ben: 16:35
but moving on to the technology or the sacrifices put in place to make these lights. So materials obviously is a big one. Carbon fiber is put in, not a sacrifice, but it sacrifices your bank account. You can pay for light, it’s gonna cost you more. Same with a lightweight um tent uh hiking tent, right? Um some and it’s a bit of durability as well. Same with a lightweight hiking tent. You get a lightweight hiking tent, it’s made of lightweight materials because it’s made to be light, it’s not to be as durable as the one that’s three times heavier. Yeah. So you’ve got to use it with that in mind.

Lauren: 17:09
And you might be paying three or four times more for a product that has more maintenance, more or different care practices that you have to be really mindful of. You have to you can’t be careless with it.

Ben: 17:25
Yep.

Lauren: 17:26
But you know, but that’s what you you’re ultimately you’re paying for that the weight.

Ben: 17:32
Weight, that’s right. The tonneau cover makes for lighter as well. So the the standard and the um trail peak are just wrapped in a tonneau cover. Um, people are gonna go, it’s not gonna handle all the low low-lying branches and stuff in the rough, tough places that I go to. That’s fine. It’s not the tent for you then. Get a heavier duty one. Yeah, you can handle that. You can, yeah. It’s not designed for that. Yeah, yeah. So um, if they were gonna design it for that, they would have made it out of Kevlar or something and you paid 10 grand for it again. So um don’t buy that tent if that’s how you four-wheel drive.

Lauren: 18:02
It’s it’s yeah, and I think the other thing is also to consider that, yeah, it it’s a tonneau cover, it’s on a rooftop tent. You might not have seen it done before, but how many utes are going around with a tonneau cover on a farm? It’s going over 30 years, 15, 20 plus years, getting crap pushed, pulled in and out, and the bits not even being undone properly and being shoved around, stuffed around in the sun all day, every day, and it doesn’t get trashed.

Ben: 18:32
Yep.

Lauren: 18:32
So there’s no real reason to think that unless you’re doing something wild, like you’re literally trying to drive through, make your own pathway through a bush. Yeah, like there’s no reason why that tonneau cover isn’t gonna stand up to that.

Ben: 18:48
And it’s it’s probably gonna last well beyond the lifetime of the tent anyway. And if that’s starting to break down, which it will eventually, yeah, it’s probably time for a new tent anyway, no matter which one you bought.

Lauren: 18:57
And then on that, remember we were talking before about how like if you get an ultralight hiking tent, there might be additional maintenance things you have to worry about. With a tonneau cover rooftop tent once a year, just cover it with some tonneau polish or some tonneau balm or something to look after it, it’ll probably outlive you.

Ben: 19:13
Yeah, absolutely. Um other changes are there’s they use a slatted base, um Inspired Overland in particular, use a slatted base in their um in their tents, which is so it’s not a hard base, although I think they’re looking at hard base options. So that means the sacrifice is you need to pump the mat up, otherwise you’re gonna feel the slats. But you pump up their hybrid mat, or in their standard tents, they’ve got a um uh EP EVA. No, it’s um anyway, it’s a firm foam mat and then a soft, it’s basically a dual density mat. Yeah, they’ve got the firm thing underneath to try and alleviate that feeling of the of the slats. If you sit upright with your butt cheeks pushing down and wiggle around, you probably feel where the slats are. Yeah, yeah. By the time you lie down, you can’t feel it.

Lauren: 20:04
When you’re climbing into it, like I was the same when I first climbed into it, I was like, I’m not sure how I feel about this. Um, because you know you can feel it. But then when you lay down and your body weight is evenly distributed across the whole mat, you don’t you really don’t notice it that much at all.

Ben: 20:19
And put the self-inflating one in there, pump it up a little bit firmer. You’ve got six centimetres, pump it up firmly, and it’s perfectly comfortable. So um, yeah, I don’t I don’t see that as being an issue. And um, the other thing is the the profile, which leads into our next um our next point, that they’re made to be low profile. So the sacrifice is there’s not much room for storage in there. No, you can’t put heaps of bedding in there because once again we go back to their making it to be lightweight. If you go and put a big heavy-duty double canvas sleeping bag in there, you’re adding six to ten kilos to your roofload rating if you want to leave it. Which maybe if they did leave space for it, you’re taking a 34 kilo tent and leaving eight kilos of bedding in there. So what are you what what are you trying to achieve there? So it’s designed so that you can take it out and keep your roofload low. So for everyone who says that’s useless, I can’t leave bedding in there. No, that’s intentional. Yeah. Because they’re making it lightweight. Yeah. If you want to leave your bedding in there, then that’s not the tent for you.

Lauren: 21:17
Yeah.

Ben: 21:18
So I think we’re talking a little bit like we are sick of answering these questions.

Lauren: 21:21
Yeah, it’s it’s more, it’s not well, it might, it’s obvious for us, but might maybe not necessarily obvious for other people. Maybe, you know, so excuse me. Like if you see, yeah, if you see you see a see a product out there, um, you know, you’re looking at that in isolation. Whereas I think that um when you look at that product in conjunction with everything else on the market, that’s it, that’s on offer, and the pros and the strengths of both, it starts to make sense.

Ben: 21:49
Yeah, absolutely.

Lauren: 21:50
Yeah.

Ben: 21:51
So you can’t fit much bedding inside. Talk a little bit more on that in a second. Yeah. But the assumption is if you’ve got heavy bedding or bulky bedding, you’ll pack that separately. Also, minimal storage for stuff on top. So the Superfly, for example, has got two very lightweight bars fixed at the hinge end because they probably use lighter weight struts to reduce the weight, which can’t handle the weight of something being on top. If you put something too heavy, it’ll just close the lid down. So they put it right up at the hinge end. You can’t move them. So if you want to put two massive panels on there, that’s not the right tent for you. If you just want to put a light one lightweight panel or perhaps strap a camp table or something small up there, then there’s a couple of roofrails for you to do that if you want to.

Lauren: 22:32
There are like some, you know, in response to the lightweight sort of move towards lightweight gear, there are also lightweight solar panels now. Like they’re not these huge, big, heavy panels. You can get very lightweight panels now. Um, like Kickass do like a flex panel, which just when you pick it up, it flexes around a fair bit. But if you’re mounting it on a roof rack or or like a rooftop 10, then it’s got enough support.

Ben: 22:56
Yep. And the IO’s rails on top are really good for that. They’re low profile. So once again, it only adds like on the carbon model. Carbon and Stargazer, put it on the Stargazer too

Lauren: 23:06
Can you? Right. Okay.

Ben: 23:06
So the rails down the side. So of course, because it’s got a hard top. If you put a a um solar panel on the Stargazer, you’re somewhat eliminating the clear top on it.

Lauren: 23:17
Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Ben: 23:17
But um, yeah, but once again, they’re made to be low profile, so it’s not made to strap a 14 kilo swag on top of a 38 kilo rooftop tent. Um they’re made to put low profile things, like a Maxtrax, solar panels, really basic stuff. I’ve seen boxes up there as well, like you can sort of mount a box.

Lauren: 23:36
Potentially even mounting something to it that you want to remove, like surfboards or something when you get to camp.

Ben: 23:41
Yeah. Um, IO, interestingly, to keep the tent weight down, they put lighter weight struts on. And when you buy the roof rack kit, you get heavier duty struts to go with it.

Lauren: 23:50
Yeah.

Ben: 23:51
Because you’ve got to replace them so that it can handle the extra weight. So they’ve that’s how far they’ve gone to try and keep the weight down. Now I want to

Sleeping Gear and Bedding

Ben: 24:00
move on to um if you’ve kind of gone, oh, okay, well, I I really want this lightweight tent, um, but I really want to leave my bedding up the top. I don’t have room to store a big sleeping bag in the back of my car. There’s alternatives. Uh, once again, comes at a price. Yep. You could buy a heavy-duty canvas sleeping bag um for what’s the what is the Cold Mountains like 130 bucks or 150 bucks or something, isn’t it?

Lauren: 24:23
So yeah, but if you got a double, you’re sort of looking two, three hundred dollars.

Ben: 24:27
Yeah, okay. Down. Think hiking. You’ve got your your mind’s crossing over into that hiking category a little bit here with what can I get that has offers warmth and comfort in a compact nature. Down is the perfect solution. And there are down blankets out there. I’ve been talking to purchasing about should we do this as a as a something for the lightweight rooftop tenths.

Lauren: 24:48
Oh, yeah, 100% should, yeah.

Ben: 24:51
Compressible or inflatable pillows.

Lauren: 24:53
Yeah.

Ben: 24:53
They will go in these rooftop tents easily because they squish down. If you don’t want to leave them in your rooftop tent, they squash down into a compression sack and fit easily in the back of your car. So either way, you’re saving weight. It’s going to cost you a little bit more of money because a good down bag’s probably oh, you’re probably spending at least a couple of hundred dollars more of a if you’re talking the double to get an equivalent within a down, you’re probably starting at least a couple of hundred dollars on top of that. Yeah. Plus, depending on how technical you go. So I would go down that hiking path if you want to leave stuff up on top.

Lauren: 25:26
Yeah, and the same thing with the pillows, like um Sea To Summit do wn Aeros down pillow, which is like an inflatable pillow with a down top on it. Oh boy, they’re so lush. Yeah, yeah.

Ben: 25:36
Other features that I’m thinking on the fly here a little bit. A lot of the heavier tents have got things like integrated lighting, power points, all that sort of stuff. You could probably retrofit that if you wanted, or just have a cable that runs up into your from your car and into your rooftop tent. LED strip lights you can attach anywhere. They’re easy.

Lauren: 25:56
Or you just get hardcore U-lights. Or get hardcore U-lights. And there you go.

Ben: 25:60
And you could probably, if you put them in there, you could actually leave them in there when you pack it up. That’s a easy one. So there are lightweight compact alternatives to have just as much comfort in these lightweight tents so that you can have you don’t have to buy a big 70 series troop carrier or or um Land Cruiser, sorry, to have a rooftop tent. Yeah. You can if you want, although that would be like super hot. It’d be pretty cool. Yeah, yeah. Um, I don’t have the dollars for that there.

Lauren: 26:26
Yeah, me either.

Ben: 26:27
Um, anything else to add? I really just wanted to cover off on lightweight tents for all vehicles, small vehicles, right through to those who’ve got heavy vehicles but trying to trim down weight and ways you can.

Lauren: 26:38
I’m pretty sure Inspired Overland have some marketing material of them attached to a Lambo. Like if I had it, if I had a Lambo, I would not be putting a rooftop tent on it. Let me tell you that much for free. Um, but it’s on there, it can it can it can go on a Lambo.

Ben: 26:55
So have a look at Inspired Overland’s vehicle gallery. There’s some really cool shots in there. It’s a US brand. Uh latest one I’ve seen, actually. I reckon it was on their Inspired Overland um owners group. I reckon it was like an old Subaru Outback, those boxy old with this slick as Inspired Overland tent on top. And it looked, it just looked really cool. Yeah, so they’ve got all sorts of vehicles with these on top. Heaps of happy people with them as well.

Lauren: 27:24
Um there’s also a little uh a little two-door Jeep Wrangler that gets around here that’s got a super light attached to it, like a Dakota Super Light on it.

Ben: 27:35
Oh, has it?

Lauren: 27:36
Yeah, it looks cool.

Summary

Ben: 27:36
Yeah, okay. The Superlight, just to mention too, that the front runner and the Superlite are the folding style. So when we’re talking about roof racks and stuff, you can’t put it on a soft top. But it’s a small footprint. So if you’ve got a small Ute and you want to put it on the tub, you can use that folding style to go on that. So um I think what we’ve got now compared to even just a year ago, what we’ve got available now in the lightweight category to suit heaps, uh such a bigger range of vehicles is is really good now. Um so yeah, if you’ve got a small

Ben: 28:08
car and you go, I don’t know which rooftop tent to suit or a small space or something unique, just give us a call because this just covers off on the lightweight ones. We’ve got heaps more in the range. Cool. Let us know your thoughts, uh, what vehicle you’ve got, how you go about saving weight in your rooftop tent. Um yeah.

Lauren: 28:27
Anything else?

Ben: 28:28
That’s all I’ve got. Catch later. See you next time.

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep181 – Lightweight Rooftop Tents: What’s New appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep180 – Stack It & Strap It! Tubs & Tie-Downs

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 01:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From chaos to cargo control, without feeling tied-down…

Ben and Lauren expand on their previous episode, Ep171 – Roof Rack Storage, with a deep dive into the abundance of tubs, bags, containers, and strapping systems that keep your gear tight and together. In that, they discuss cam buckle reliability, and the pros and cons of ratchet straps, bungee cords, and occy straps for different securing scenarios.

From hard tubs versus soft storage options and dedicated roof rack-style containers, to settling the age-old debate of straps versus ropes – this episode bears the load.

This episode bears the load!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:07 – A Spin-Off of Ep171: Roof Rack Storage

02:48 – Hard Tubs and Storage Boxes

09:13 – Dedicated Roof Rack-Style Tubs

10:18 – Soft Options and Storage Bags

14:00 – Straps Vs Ropes

14:49 – Ben’s Take on Ropes and Knots

17:33 – Cam Buckle Straps

19:57 – Bungee, Occy, and Stretch Straps

14:07 – Ratchet Straps

28:44 – Ben’s Recommendation

29:32 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Frontrunner Wolfpack Pro Stackable Storage Box

Dometic GO Portable Hard Storage

OZtrail Canvas Duffle Bag

Darche Nero

23ZERO Transpac 60L Bag

Sea to Summit Duffle Bags

Caribee Titan 50L Gear Bag

Monkey Grip CB straps

Monkey Grip Ratchet Tie Downs

Sea to Summit Tie Downs

KickAss Cam Buckle Straps

Darche Cam Buckle Tie Down 2 Pack

Wildtrak Leisure Australia Heavy Duty Bungee Cords

Podcasts & Blogs:

Ep171 – Roof Rack Storage

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep180 – Stack It & Strap It! Tubs & Tie-Downs appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep179 – Dynamic Shelter Solutions

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 02:25:34 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

The shape-shifting camp shelters in the outdoor space as we know it!

Ben and Lauren tackle the clever world of shelter systems that adapt to your outdoor adventures and expanding families. Our gear gurus examine setups from the Oztent RV5 to Zempire’s tent cities, explore modular brilliance of multi-structure setups, and discuss how investing in foundational tents with smart add-ons beats constantly upgrading your full kit.

Tune in for a camper’s guide to having gear that grows with you – not dictates your limits!

Ben and Lauren tackle the clever world of shelter systems that adapt to your outdoor adventures and expanding families.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:49 – Setups That Can Grow With You

06:09 – Ben’s Current Setup with the Oztent RV5

09:05 – The BlackWolf Turbo Range

11:05 – Adapting Your Setup Footprint to Suit the Campsite

11:55 – Modular Setups for Fairweather Camping

17:47 – Benefits of Investing in Foundational Tents with Add-Ons

20:58 – The Evolution of Camping Options

24:43 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Coleman Instant Up 10P Lighted Northstar Darkroom tent

Oztent RV-5 Canvas Touring Tent

Oztent RX-5 Tent + Panel System & Floor

OZtrail Gazebo Portico Deluxe 3.0M

Quest Outdoors Air Gazebo Tent 3.0

Zempire Aerobase tents

Swags

YouTube:

Zempire Link Living System

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep179 – Dynamic Shelter Solutions appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep178 – The Best Vehicles to Camp Out Of

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 01:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From slick family sedans to more rugged rigs, Ben and Lauren discuss how to choose your camping chariot…

From Lauren’s efficient car setup to wicked 4WD configurations, our gear gurus explore how different vehicles suit different camping approaches. It’s the practical stuff that matters – payload limits, towing capacity, hidden costs, and listener feedback on everything from wagons to dual-cabs. The conversation includes clever solutions like sedan camping setups and how lightweight rooftop tents are expanding options for smaller vehicles.

Tune in for essential, go-to guidance that reveals your ride’s role in camping adventures – and if it can handle your outdoor ambitions!

Tune in for essential, go-to guidance that reveals your ride’s role in camping adventures.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:45 – Hardcore Vehicle Setups

03:40 – Lauren’s Car Camping Setup

07:52 – Considering Your Camping Setup and Style

08:47 – Feedback From Others: Covering 4WDs, Vans, Wagons, Utes, and SUVs

12:01 – Towing a Trailer

13:21 – Considering Payload

18:49 – Katrina’s Grand Sedan Setup!

20:39 – Setups for Efficiency and Accessibility

22:17 – Considering Hidden Costs

24:50 – Ben’s Suggested Starting Point

27:58 – Lightweight Rooftop Tents in SUV Setups

29:12 – 4WD, Wagon, and Dual-Cab Setups

31:40 – Enhancing a Sedan Setup

35:11 – Camping Options for Compact Setups

39:54 – Considering Extension Cords and Power Plugs

41:40 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Inspired Overland rooftop tents

Camping tents

Gazebos

RacksBrax

Zempire Aerospeed tents

Hardkorr U-Lite Dual Colour LED Lanterns 4 Pack

OZtrail Loomie Line String Lights

Hardkorr LED Light Bar systems

JetBoil Genesis Basecamp Stove

KickAss QuickFire Portable 2000W Induction Cooktop

Westinghouse Induction Cooktops

Power Cables & Accessories

Podcasts and Blogs:

Ep110 – Car Camping Without Cramming

Understanding 12V Battery & Solar Setups for Camping and 4WDing

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep178 – The Best Vehicles to Camp Out Of appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep177 – Blockout Tents: Yay or Nay?

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 01:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

In the dark about Blockout technology? Ben and Lauren address the great debate dividing the tent world…

In this episode, our outdoor experts tackle one of camping’s most polarising fabric technologies – blockout coatings that promise pitch-black mornings but deliver heated tent controversies.

A camping luxury, or an expensive “solution” to an inevitable aspect of outdoor living? From sleeping soundly through the sunrise to waking in oven-like conditions, and exploring the affect of light-blocking treatments and enhanced materials on durability, waterhead ratings, pack weight, and performance – this conversation covers the science behind fabric coatings, the fundamental tension between ventilation and insulation, and the unbeatable bliss of simply waking up with the sun.

A camping luxury, or an expensive solution to an inevitable aspect of outdoor living?

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:22 – Blockout Technology

02:19 – Tent Ventilation Vs Insulation

04:37 – Pros of Blockout Technology

06:44 – Cons of Blockout Technology

09:41 – The Impact of Fabric Coatings on Durability and Waterhead Ratings

13:47 – Weight Considerations of Fabric Coatings

15:43 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

All tents and shelters

Zempire camping tents

OZtrail camping tents

Coleman camping tents

Podcasts and Blogs:

Ep138 – Zempire: Innovating the Outdoors with Richard Knauf

Ep163 – What Makes a Fabric Waterproof?

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep177 – Blockout Tents: Yay or Nay? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep176 – Talking Rooftop Tent Brands

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 01:42:57 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Our rooftop tent brands that elevate every campsite setup…

Ben and Lauren scale the heights of rooftop tent excellence, breaking down their top picks from powerhouse brands like 23ZERO, Darche, and Inspired Overland. Our gear gurus compare equivalent models across manufacturers, and explore everything from detachable designs to solar-integrated solutions. The conversation covers lightweight alternatives for weight-conscious campers, brands beyond the Snowys shelves, and confessions of their own rooftop tent FOMO!

The best elevated sleeping isn’t just about getting off the ground, it’s about not breaking the bank – or your roof racks!

Ben and Lauren break down their top eight picks from powerhouse brands like Inspired Overland.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:10 – Top Rooftop Tent Brands

03:24 – 23ZERO Rooftop Tents

10:58 – Darche Rooftop Tents

18:00 – Darche and 23ZERO’s Equivalent Rooftop Tent Models

19:06 – Inspired Overland Ultralight Rooftop Tents

23:53 – Lightweight Rooftop Tent Alternatives

26:56 – Darche Detachable Rooftop Tent

28:24 – Darche Solar Rooftop Tent

29:45 – Coming Soon From 23ZERO

30:17 – Rooftop Tent Brands Beyond the Snowys Shelves

31:00 – Ben and Lauren’s Rooftop Tent FOMO?!

33:03 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

View our full range of rooftop tents on our website here >>

Podcasts and Blogs:

Ep114 – Rooftop Tents With Dave & Jacob From Snowys Brendale

Ep125 – Rooftop Tents, Awnings, & Everything OZtrail 2024 with Michael & Ben

Ep165 – Revolutionised Rooftop Tents With Inspired Overland

Transcript:

Ben: 00:06
Howdy listeners, welcome to the Snowys Camping Show. Joined by myself Ben and Lauren again. How are you?

Lauren: 00:13
Good. I just realized I don’t have my headphones on.

Ben: 00:15
I’m prepared. We’re just gas bagging about how we’re gonna put today’s content into some sort of legible form for our customers to understand where our brains are at. Um so stick with us, we’ll try and get through it. But um before we jump into that, uh subscribe to our channel via YouTube, your favorite podcast app, or jump in in the conversation at the Snowy’s Camping Banter Facebook group. Now, today I wanted to we get a lot of questions like what’s your best rooftop tent, right? The rooftop tens are hot at the moment. Everyone’s talking about rooftop tents. There’s the new innovation. It’s a crazy category, really like hot, high-priced items that are hard to put in your car, uh, but they’re really convenient when you get it all set up, really popular right now. And people are always saying, What’s which one should I get? What’s your best one? And it’s another one of those questions you go, well, need to know more about your setup and how you camp and what your budget is and what your vehicle is and all these sort of things. So

Top Rooftop Tent Brands:

Ben: 01:10
so we could go through and just list like what are our best selling rooftop tents, but we thought, well, that I don’t think that’s very useful. Um, because there’s various reasons why we might sell more of one than the other, and the number doesn’t really tell the whole picture. No, it doesn’t. Um so we just thought we’d go through our main brands one by one and kind of what is most talked about, I suppose, within each brand, because we have 23Zero, we have Darche, Inspired Overland is in there as well. That’s that’s our three kind of top brands. There’s a few others. Frontrunner’s got a lightweight one, I don’t think we’ve got the Hard Korr ones online anymore. Like they’re all really good tents.

Lauren: 01:44
But we’re just going to talk about also you’ve got that we’ve got like sorry to interrupt, but we’ve got lots of different platforms of engagement with customers. We’ve got like phone calls, emails, QA’s through our website, chat, um, socials. It’s not um just general website traffic, people, all the products people are looking at. So when we sort of talk about what’s um hot right now or what’s a popular, we look at all of those things. We don’t just look at uh hit add to cart type thing.

Ben: 02:11
Yeah, absolutely. So we’ll we’ll cover brand by brand, what’s popular in each brand, because Darche and 23Zero in particular have some similar top models. Yep. Um, and in reality, you’re probably just gonna we we would recommend choosing which brand you have an affinity to, basically. If you’ve already got a 23Zero awning and you want to match it with your rooftop tent, get the 23Zero rooftop tent. If you like the colour of the Darche khaki better, get the Darche because they’re both really good products.

Lauren: 02:38
You often see that, don’t you? You see your four drivers getting around, they’ve got the awning and the rooftop tent, and you know, like then they get the swags out and their chairs out, and they’re just they’re just they like the brand, and that’s fine. Yeah, that’s it’s good. It’s good to have brand loyalty, in my opinion. Absolutely.

Ben: 02:52
So we’ll cover off on kind of what’s best in each category. Now we’re not gonna go into the best in terms of your vehicle setup. Uh, I’m pretty sure we would have covered it many a times in an episode. We’ll put a link in there, but you need to check your roofload ratings and all of those sort of things, how you mount it. Not covering that in this episode. We’re just gonna talk about the tents that are most talked about in the conversations you have with customers, the conversations we have online, conversations that happen in store. So let’s start with 23Zero. The brand 23Zero. Now, I we we we love working with 23Zero.

23ZERO Rooftop Tents:

Lauren: 03:24
They’re just can I just I just want to say we have done an episode with Ben and uh I meant sorry, Dave and Jacob from our Birdel store on rooftop tents, where we do cover the specifics of differences between a soft shell, hard shell, packing it away, bedding, roofload rating, mounting, like all of the specifics of okay, I I want, I think I want a rooftop tent. What do I need to know before I start looking for the specific models? Check that episode out first. We’ll put the links to the show note if you haven’t already.

Ben: 03:51
Yeah, cool. Now, 23Zero, just want to premises this by saying 23Zero are just constantly moving forward with new stuff. Like by the time we get a model, they’re already working on or taking feedback from previous models and working on the next one ahead of that. So it’s a bit like technology with 23Zero. You’ve never got the latest model, or you’re never gonna have it because there’s always the next one on the way. They’re really innovative and always moving forward, always listen to what the customer’s saying. Didn’t like this, didn’t like that. That was really good. Take features of this, take features of that, put it in a new model, call it something different. And I know us uh floor staff have headaches sometimes going. So, where where’s this? Like, how what’s the hierarchy here? And you’re like, Well, you just kind of gotta roll with her. Yeah, they’re all awesome tents, just gotta, you know, customers gotta lie in it, check it out, um, make sure that it fits what they’re after. But let’s start with 23Zero though. Um, there what have you got a qu with you working in customer service? Is there one that’s asked about the most right now?

Lauren: 04:48
Uh…

Ben: 04:51
Maybe the new one. Like they’ve just released the Panther.

Lauren: 04:54
To be honest, if I’m like full disclosure, people are asking the most about the Panthers at the moment because they’re being superseded. And so the old Panthers, a lot of people like, oh, I want to get onto the old one because they’re generally a bit of a lower price, maybe more accessible, maybe they’ve had their eye on them for a while and things like that. There is lots of excitement around the new range, obviously. But I do think that uh when a brand drops a new line of things, there’s always an opportunity there to pick up the previous season stuff at a real at a real bargain. Because let’s face it, rooftop tents aren’t cheap.

Ben: 05:29
Cheap. And right now there is if if it’s still there when this episode goes live, but right now there are some big savings to have be had on that Panther series, the original Panther series, which is the 1600s, 2000.

Lauren: 05:43
Uh 16 and 14, I think.

Ben: 05:44
16 and 14, was it?

Lauren: 05:45
Maybe. Uh maybe, no, you’re right. 2000, I’m pretty sure it’s 16.

Ben: 05:48
No, I think it’s 16 and 14. I’ve got it written in front of me here.

Lauren: 05:51
Oh do you, ok.

Ben: 05:51
Um they’ve got a tig like an aluminium welded shell and it kind of folded out. It’s heaps of internal space and it folded out in front. Really, roomy, really long. Um, but they’ve updated it to the Panther Horizon. They kind of took some Yowie features and some Panther features and chucked it into one and called it the Panther Horizon.

Lauren: 06:07
Yeah.

Ben: 06:07
Uh made changes like listen to people saying, I can’t struggling to put my awning next to my Panther tent because it folded out and um uh there’s a word I always want to use, and I always forget whenever I go to use it because I think it makes me sound uh really clever, but I forget what it is. Um it’s it hits the roof. I’m just gonna sit with hits because that’s exactly what it does. Um it hits the the awning when it folds out because it it kind of comes out the boundaries of the tent. So they changed it so it kind of lives up so you can mount the awning next to the tent now rather than have to leave the gap. So fouls, that’s the word I’m looking for. It fouls on the awning. You don’t look very impatient.

Lauren: 06:46
Hey, wait, what? Fouls like is in F-O-U-L-S.

Ben: 06:51
Yeah, like it if it’ll move out and then it fouls the rooftop tent because it’s in the way. I hope that’s the right use of the word now. Oh, yeah. Keep moving. Um…

Lauren: 06:59
Sounds like some ye old English.

Ben: 07:01
Yeah.

Lauren: 07:01
It’s like our boss came out the other day and he’s like, I quite like this of an evening. And I was like, What is this? Like a…

Ben: 07:06
Who said that?

Lauren: 07:07
Laine.

Ben: 07:08
Did he?

Lauren: 07:08
He was like, Oh, I don’t mind a bit of this of an evening. And I was like, What are we here?

Ben: 07:12
Yeah, he’s in some sort of uh he’s getting a bit old, general ly.

Lauren: 07:15
Who’s that? Who’s that? Jane Austen novel or something.

Ben: 07:18
He drinks English breakfast tea now as well. So yeah, like it really fits. Um, yeah, so the Panther’s a big, big buzzword at the moment, but the Panther Horizon is the is the latest one in that series, and it is pretty cool. I had a look at it at the Adelaide show, and we’ve got videos, if not already out, coming out very soon uh on those. So…

Lauren: 07:34
Interestingly enough, though, the the uh the th the sort of I guess when I say top three, it’s not sort of necessarily sales or whatever, but the the more the top three more popular models for for 23Zero are a bit tried and true in the sense that we’ve got the Yowie AX, um the Saber Max,

Ben: 07:57
Which probably kind of goes in the Saber series because they’re kind of similar with slight differences in each model, three or four different ones in the case.

Lauren: 08:03
The Saber series is extensive, um, and the Dakota 1400, which I think the Dakota 1400 is like your classic soft shell rooftop tent. Like the original rooftop tents we all saw, that’s the Dakota 1400.

Ben: 08:16
Yep.

Lauren: 08:17
Um and I think that they still soft shell rooftop tents still have a place in the market because of their affordability versus the space and the function that you get with them.

Ben: 08:31
You’re you’re talking circa 1,500 to 2,000 for a tent with the same space as a three to four thousand dollar hard shell.

Lauren: 08:39
Yeah.

Ben: 08:40
But the three is quite interesting when you look at it the three that you mentioned there, excuse me. The Yowie is a hard shell small footprint because it it half the tent kind of folds inside the shell. So it’s a little bit taller, smaller footprint, so it fits tub racks and that sort of thing. And because it’s got a hard shell, you can put roof racks on top as well. So you put it on your tub, it can kind of be level with the cabin of your dual cab, and then you can put a surface board, a solar panel or Maxtrax, whatever on those, uh, and then it folds out to the side. Then your Saber range are your full-length clamshell style, so that they don’t fold in half, they just open up. Um, and the the Saber series is extensive. You’ve got your Saber, which is a classic, and there’s now the Saber vertex, which takes all of the features of the other ones I’m about to mention and kind of puts them all in one, all the best in one. Um, but there was the Saber um Max, the Litepaw, they were kind of similar, but the Saber Pro Saber Pro well that had a different shell altogether. That had a tig welded hard shell, slightly different.

Lauren: 09:40
Oh, that is true, yeah.

Ben: 09:41
Didn’t quite, I don’t think we’ve really seen many of the Saber pro didn’t really take off quite like the rest of the Saber range. Um the Saber Max and Saber Litepaw one’s just kind of like a it has one hinge, the Saber Max has a hinge that lifts up, so you pay a bit more and you get a bit more

Lauren: 09:55
Saber X.

Ben: 09:56
Saber X might be what I’m thinking of.

Lauren: 09:57
Yeah, with the X hinge, but then I think the Saber Max has the Saber X Max is like a uh uh upgrade on the Saber X. Like there’s just there’s just yeah,

Ben: 10:06
I’ve got to sit and look at the range and think how does it all fit? So but they’ve taken all those Saber series and then stuck it into the Saber Vertex, which I had a look at the other day, and that’s that’s really polished as well.

Lauren: 10:16
Nice, that’s good.

Ben: 10:17
But then they’ve gone down the s the light range because there was the Saber Superlite, which is quite thin and pretty cool, but then they had a thinner mat and you couldn’t fit bedding inside there. So now they brought out the Saber Superfly and incorporated tonneau cover that you can fit a bit of bedding into, and you it’s now 45 kilos off the top of my head. So they’re getting into that lightweight category. So yeah. Um and then, like you said, the Dakota, which is just if you,

Lauren: 10:40
Classic

Ben: 10:41
If you can’t afford all the if you’re not too worried, people buy their Sabers and the Yowies because it looks good as well. They’ve got the streamlined look. Dakota’s got that classic PVC tonneau cover over the top, but they’re really affordable and they’re still waterproof and comfortable and do the job. So…

Darche Rooftop Tents:

Lauren: 10:58
Darche.

Ben: 10:59
Yeah, so yeah, Darche 23Zero Darche. It’s kind of like Ford and Holden, right? Yeah, a little bit. Which one did you go for? Um I’ve kind of got well they uh we just had a look at the range before now, because there’s a few Darche products we currently don’t have on our website. I had a look at the range, and it used to be very much that they mirrored each other, but now they’re a little bit different. Darche’s got some other cool things going on that are a little bit different than 23Zero. Some are the same. Um, they’ve got one called an Intrepidor, which was which is just their affordable, easy.

Lauren: 11:29
Intrepidor is probably, I would say, um, a really popular model because similar to like, you know, your 23Zero Dakota and whatever, there’s obviously a whole range that Dart you do which are which are similar in the Hi-View, right? They’re all the ones that fold out and then they have an like a bit of an overhang in the sense that your ladder attaches, but when you climb up the ladder, you’re climbing up into the tent above you, and you’re sort of going over the lip into it that way. Um, whereas the Intrepidor or is just like a single, like a little pod. It still opens out, like it folds up, so shell opens out, but you climb up the ladder and then you unzip the side of it and then you climb into it. So there’s no overhang, it’s just really simple. Yep. Um, you don’t need a huge amount of space. It fits on a lot of different cars because it has quite a small footprint, and it’s just no, it’s just no fuss, no frills.

Ben: 12:19
Yeah.

Lauren: 12:20
Um, and that’s all that that is always um one that’s well talked about.

Ben: 12:25
The closest 23Zero has to that is this Dakota Super Light, but we’ll touch on that a little bit later because we want to talk on the lightweight options.

Lauren: 12:31
And and I will say 23Zero did used to do something like the Intrepidor, but they they don’t anymore. So um I think the Intrepidor is really nifty for that side of things. And it’s also affordable, it’s simple, it’s a really great like starter, I guess. Maybe you could say the other one that surprises me every time people ask about it and every time we sort of ship one out, the the Darche Basecamp 2200, it’s it’s a monster.

Ben: 12:57
It’s a big unit. I think it’s it’s a hundred and something kilos off the top of my head.

Lauren: 13:01
It’s quite I’m not gonna pretend to know how much it weighs. The great thing about it though is that it’s it’s a soft shell rooftop tent, opens out like you know, the classic rooftop tents we’re used to seeing around, but it is 2200 wide. So you can sleep a family of four, potentially five or six if your kids are really little. It’s just it’s just a full big family sleeper on the top of your car, folds out, you go up the ladders under the the cover, like you go up into the rooftop tent. Um, it’s got a couple of different opening doors. So if you wanted to have your kids on one side, that can be all fully sealed off and just have your door for your parents’ side open, whatever. It’s it’s it’s a monster, but it’s popular because people, people, you know, if you think about a big family, right? Some of your options, if you’re looking at a rooftop tent, it’s not an option for you because your parents either have to sleep in the rooftop tent and the kids have to sleep on the ground somewhere else. So you put your kids up there, or you know, it’s just um rooftop tents are often not something family that’s where the base camp comes in because it caters to families, fits that size. It’s it’s awesome.

Ben: 14:09
So the the comparable thing with 23Zero, if we’re comparing the two here, the base camp is sort of part of their Hi-View range, um uh Darche’s Hi-View range, which are that folding style with a PVC cover similar to 23Zero’s Dakota range. So and Dakota comes in a 2200 as well. So but uh the but the base camp 2200 seems to be the popular option in that sort of category. Um but they’re the they’re the sort of affordable folding classic rooftop tents that we knew in the past before hard shell rooftop tents became a big thing.

Lauren: 14:41
Yeah. And I think that um the the also the other element of that base camp and and particularly being that size, the price comparatively, again, it’s such a huge big tent, but being that soft shell tent version, the price of it is still cheaper than a lot of the more modern clamshell, hard shell rooftop tents that only fit two people in.

Ben: 15:05
Tight tight two people. Tight two people, yeah.

Lauren: 15:08
I mean, some of them are you know 1100, 1200 wide. That’s a tight two-person option. Yep. Um, so yeah, it I mean, when you look at it on paper and you you really compare it with what else is available out there on the market, you can see why it’s popular, but it’s just um great family tent option. And then the other one for Darche is the um Buffalo.

Ben: 15:30
I’ve not had a good look at these. I must admit, I I keep saying I think I need to, I don’t think we’ve got one up in the shop.

Lauren: 15:36
I think we actually do recently, yeah.

Ben: 15:38
I need to have a good look through them because they look cool. The top of them looks really cool. Very cool, but it’s a side opening tent.

Lauren: 15:43
It’s a side opening tent in that it’s a clamshell, but it opens on the long side, not the short side. So obviously you’re going up into that longer side. And and the really cool thing about rooftop tents that are clamshell opening on the long side is that it opens up very square, it creates a very square, very open and airy. You got windows on both ends, windows down one side, you’ve got a lot of visibility from the top there. There are clamshell on the short side tent options that like Darche’s Hi-Rize, for example, where you can open it like a clamshell and you’ve got that sort of V shape, and then you it’s got a second roof that you can sort of lift up again. So you’ve got a Z on the side and it makes it all like a big box. But that’s obviously very heavy, right? Because you’ve got a couple of different layers and they do move around in the bigger. And I think 23Zero is dropping like a what it’s actually called Z, like it’s got the letter Z in it because it looks like a Z shape. But um, but so there are rooftop tents that give you a bit of flexibility with that option of either being a a triangle or a full square. Um whereas those the ones that open like a clamshell on the long side, they give you all of that room. It’s like the best of both worlds, but without the additional weight of having an extra shell section to and hinges and struts and whatever.

Ben: 17:06
So the walls are vertical, so you make the length use of the full length and almost the full width as well. Whereas pretty much, yeah. Uh a clamshell goes down to a point if it doesn’t have that X hinge and you lose a little bit of space at the end.

Lauren: 17:18
Yeah, and I and I really like the this like the the look of the Buffalo, especially. It just it looks like a really nice rooftop tent. And we do get uh, you know, I had someone call up the other day and they’re like, oh, we want three of these, you know, like because all of us mates are getting together. We want it, yeah. So it’s like it’s a it’s definitely a a popular option and quite different. It offers something a bit different.

Ben: 17:40
So you might need to consider a side opening tent if you’ve got a tent a car with a 270 awning and you don’t have a um thing up through the awning to get to rooftop tent, you can put a side opening tent to open on the side that doesn’t have a 270 awning. Excellent. So that’s a consideration with um why you might want a side opening awning. Yeah. Uh rooftop tent. Now um we should mention Darche do

Darche and 23ZERO’s Equivalent Rooftop Tent Models:

Ben: 18:00
have a similar sort of range. Well, Darche’s competition range, I suppose, to 23Zero Saber is their Hi-Rize, as you mentioned.

Lauren: 18:08
Um and their which line? Ridge back uh Ridgeback Hi-Rize.

Ben: 18:13
Sorry, it’s Ridgeback is the series. So the Ridgeback Hi-Rize has got that double fold thing, really big, really roomy tent, but they’re quite heavy. And they’ve also just got the clamshell opening ones as well. Now we don’t I don’t know why we haven’t got them on our website at the moment. Um, but that’s a that’s a competitive. If you’re going Doigger 23Zero Darche, you’re going to be going uh one of the Saber models or one of the Hi-Rize models if you’re looking at the similar type of tent.

Lauren: 18:35
Yeah, and and similarly, I guess if you’re looking at the Saber, similarly, the Ridgeback do have a couple of different models within that Ridgeback series, and they’ve you know, like they’ve even um delved into eco materials, eco canvases and stuff like that.

Ben: 18:48
They green colours and stuff, a little bit different.

Lauren: 18:50
Yeah, so lots of lots of variation, lots of variation in there.

Ben: 18:56
No, Darche’s got some cool new stuff. We’re gonna jump into some mentioning some new things a little bit later, um uh because they uh look quite innovative with some of those technologies, but I

Inspired Overland Ultralight Rooftop Tents:

Ben: 19:06
think we’ll move on to Inspired Overland next, because that’s uh other big brand that we can.

Lauren: 19:12
Like obviously, if you listen to the podcast pretty consistently, there’s been a lot of Inspired Overland recently.

Ben: 19:18
Um maybe we’ve been known about it too much, but it is new. I don’t think it’s been 12 months since we’ve had the brand.

Lauren: 19:25
No.

Ben: 19:26
We got excited about it because entry level 34 kilos for a two-person rooftop.

Lauren: 19:33
Which is worth getting excited about.

Ben: 19:35
So you’re now opening up the scope for everyone who’s got uh a Toyota Yaris or a Subaru Forester Jimny. I mean, there’s questions around whether you should or shouldn’t, because a Jimny’s roofload isn’t isn’t enough. Uh, that’s another conversation.

Lauren: 19:49
Another conversation.

Ben: 19:50
But if you want a a rooftop tent that isn’t 70, 80, 100 kilos, Inspired Overland, do that. That’s their primary focus. Now, there are some trade-offs to that, a little bit in terms of um, I guess how how sort of rigid and tough it is, all the extra features to mount stuff on the outside, a little bit sacrifice of space inside, but marginal compared to the weight savings that you get. They’re still really comfortable.

Lauren: 20:16
But yeah, and I think that’s the point. It’s like, what are you gonna get if you’re going for an ultralight version of something? It’s the same thing with hike with hiking tents, right? It’s it’s gonna be stripped down. If something is light, you can’t have a buttload of features and it can’t be massive and it can’t be made with heavy duty materials because it completely contradicts ultralight.

Ben: 20:35
And they’re only 13 to 15 centimeters in height on the car rather than 30. Yeah. So much lower profile, better on fuel. Easier to handle if you want to take your rooftop tent on and off, much easier to handle 35 to 40 kilos than it is to handle 70 to 100 kilos. So they’ve got a few in their range, they’re um tonneau cover, which is a they’re really affordable lightweight option. It’s got a zip around the side. I actually really like it because I actually not not true. What I haven’t what I haven’t said yet is not true. Um, previously, a lot of the clips on the rooftop tents were really hard to do up. When they first brought out clamshell rooftop tents, doing up the clips to squash everything down was you had to get your whole weight on it. Latest tents I’ve seen uh use a 23Zero’s vertex as an example. Not the case, they do up so much easier, they’ve made some changes. But the 20 the Inspired Overland standard and XL, same thing, just slightly one’s larger than the other, has a zip around the outside. It’s really easy to do the zip up. You’re not doing clips, you just zip around the edge, and it also creates a good water, watertight seal around it. Yeah. Um, and they have a what’s really cool with 23Zero is they play in the carbon fiber space. So they’ve got a carbon carbon light model, which has got a big carbon fiber sheet in the top’s got a carbon zone.

Lauren: 21:54
Inspired Overland, because you said 23Zero.

Ben: 21:55
Did I? Inspired Overland sorry.

Lauren: 21:56
Because I was like 23Zero, do carbon now?

Ben: 21:58
No, they don’t know. Inspired Overland. Um It’s got carbon fiber sheet in the top, some carbon fiber rails in the bottom. Um, I’ve got some other we’ve seen some other cool stuff from them. It’s carbon fiber as well. So they’re really playing in that lightweight category. Everything they do, they try and make lightweight.

Lauren: 22:17
Very cool.

Ben: 22:18
Yeah.

Lauren: 22:18
And so that is essentially having um those sort of tents on the market is starting to push other brands to and and obviously the success of that as well is starting to push some other brands into investigating what they can do in that space of being ultralight. Um which I think is really important because uh prior to Inspired Overland dropping, I can’t remember who it was, but I think potentially the I think it was the Dirty Dee. I think is it Darche Dirty Dee? That was one of the Double Dee. That’s it, the double D rooftop tent. That was a rooftop tent that dropped um just before we got the Inspired Overland in. And it, you know, it exceeds 100 kilos. Or it’s 96 kilos, like not including the ladder. And so we’re we’re sort of that rooftop tent space is how we can make rooftop tents so luxurious and so comfortable, and you put them on your tent, and you know, I mean put them on your car and whatever, but like pushing a hundred kilos is crazy for for something to be on the top of your tent, right? So then by con uh thank you on your car. So then by contrast, the Inspired Overland tents dropped and they’re like totally back the opposite direction. So I heard of the way. I feel like the the the trajectory of rooftop tents was very much going in one direction, and now it’s sort of at least part of it has gone, hang on a minute, put the brakes on, let’s try and go to the opposite extreme.

Ben: 23:51
Um if you’re in

Lightweight Rooftop Tent Alternatives:

Ben: 23:53
a car and you’re you’re looking for a rooftop tent, sorry, and you love the look of the Saber, um, or they Ridge back, that um full-length clamshell opening rooftop tent, and then you go, wow, it’s really heavy. Step back with weight. You first want to go to the Saber Superfly, which comes back to that 49 kilo category. If you want to go lighter in the. I think the Superlite. I can’t remember the weight on that one. It wasn’t quite 49, it was 50 something off the top of my head. Have a quick little um not as much space inside of that one though. But I think the Superfly is a better tent in that respect.

Lauren: 24:27
The Superlite, just just so it is about 64 kilos.

Ben: 24:31
I think they’re getting out of the Superlite. I think that one’s gonna disappear. Yeah. It’s been the they listened to what people are saying about it, made some changes, and now got the superfly and the version.

Lauren: 24:40
Superfly 53.

Ben: 24:42
There you go. That’s including uh ladder and everything. The base weight of the 10 is 45.

Lauren: 24:49
Yeah.

Ben: 24:50
Um, and then if you want to pull it back again, your car’s even smaller, uh a lighter weight or a more compact car, you’re gonna be looking at um Dakota Superlight. Well, the Inspired Overland range, or the Dakota Super Light is another option, which is a folding tent. So you’ve got I hope everyone’s keeping up with us here. We’re all over the place.

Lauren: 25:09
We’re just we’re we’re just ra we’re just rambling now, really, are we?

Ben: 25:13
It’s just a pub conversation about rooftop tents. Um the so Dakota Superlight is actually a really cool tent. It’s got a PVC cover, so it’s a folding thing, but it’s all self-deploying awnings. So the most time to set it up is getting the PVC cover off. And then you’ve fold it out and it all just pops up.

Lauren: 25:28
I’ve done I think I did a little video on that. I really like that tent. It was really cute. I’ve seen a few of them around on people’s cars as well. Um, so they do have that more boxy, soft shell rooftop tent profile on top of your vehicle, but it is smaller and it is a bit of a bit shorter or like height-wise, it’s not as high. Um, but that’s a really good option. It’s also really affordable. Yeah. And then interestingly enough, like Darche haven’t at this stage anyway. I don’t know what’s on the few on the future cards for Darche, but they haven’t really delved into that lightweight rooftop tent space yet. However, not too long ago, they did um they did bring out a what’s it called? It’s called a detachable rooftop tent, which I thought was really interesting or a little bit clever because um it’s sort of a little bit like how how far can you take from in terms of okay, well, without doing a me too product, you know what I mean? Like without just bringing up something that already looks like what other brands are doing.

Ben: 26:32
I think that’s where Darche is is moving forward in this space. There’s not all Me Too things. 23Zero is constantly evolving their resisting range. Darche is pushing the boundaries outside of that a little bit, yeah. And bringing out some things like the the Double Dee was one thing they brought out. That’s pretty cool. It’s massive, but then at the same time, a couple of things.

Darche Detachable Rooftop Tent:

Lauren: 26:50
And then like that Buffalo, that side opening thing. Like, yeah, but the Darche detachable rooftop tent is interesting in the

Lauren: 26:56
sense that it is light. Okay, so it’s lighter than a couple of your other options. Now, having a look here, it’s about about uh 41 kilos, but it’s essentially a uh a platform or a baseboard with a rooftop tent similar to the Dakota light, but the rooftop tent is completely removable. So you can attach it to your car and have a solid platform to sit up there and eat a deck, a deck on your roof to sit up there, watch the sunset, have a have a cold beer or a hot bevo, depending on what time of the year it is. Um, it’s got a rooftop tent on it that attaches that will fold away if you want it to, but you can also take that off if you don’t want to use it. You can it it will still, when it folds, it still folds with an air gap in it, as if the tent is in there. But you could use that for storing other camping gear if you don’t want to take your tent with you, right? It just it doubles as like rooftop, like a protected uh structured rooftop tent. Uh I meant, sorry, um, cargo bag, yeah.

Ben: 27:58
Almost. Yep.

Lauren: 27:59
But you can also use the tent on a stretcher, you can use it on the ground, you can use it on your roof, just gives you a bit of extra flexibility. Yeah, so it’s a bit of an odd product. I definitely recommend you check it out because it is unusual. It’s unlike anything else that um that we’ve got in our range or even on the market, really. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone else doing anything like it.

Ben: 28:17
But quite affordable too.

Lauren: 28:19
Affordable, um worth checking out.

Darche Solar Rooftop Tent:

Ben: 28:23
Now the other

Ben: 28:24
thing Darche have done that that’s pretty cool is their solar rooftop tent. So they’ve taken a a tig welded shell, aluminium shell, and incorporated a solar panel into the actual shell. Yeah. So you don’t have to add a solar solar panel onto the side.

Lauren: 28:40
It looks like it looks like one of those um stealth fighter jets, right? What do you remember? Like when I was a kid, I remember there was these black stealth fighter jets that came out and it was like, wow.

Ben: 28:49
Yeah.

Lauren: 28:50
Um looks like one of those.

Ben: 28:51
Yeah. It’s pretty cool. I haven’t had a good look at it once again. Um I have seen it at a show black year or so ago. Yeah. Um it’s kind of, I guess it’s everything you’d expect. But the cool thing is that integrated um solar panel and like electricals in here. But all of these tents now, so not all of them, most of them are coming. I know the Saber range in particular, the ridge back range, I think, does as well. Um have integrated wires and uh Anderson on the outside so you can just get the power straight from your vehicle plugged into your own. Yeah, yeah. Um, but the solar one’s pretty cool. Something um something different and new if you it it allows you to not have the roof racks on top, but have the solar panel in there so you haven’t got that extra wind resistance and wind noise and that’s the thing. They’re not cheap. So that’s the only thing they’re not cheap, but they’re pretty cool.

Coming Soon From 23ZERO:

Lauren: 29:44
Yeah. I think

Lauren: 29:45
also there’s um a couple of new things coming with 23Zero’s new range as well. Like they’ve got an Onyx rooftop tent series that we’ve not seen before. That’s also like a darker canvas. So um lots happening in the rooftop tent space. We probably recommend you jump online and have a look through all the models and the options that we’ve got and just see see what’s cool and what’s new.

Ben: 30:04
The Saber Z as well. We mentioned that before, but that’s that takes that Darche Hi-Rize thing slightly different. It’s got like a little hatch on it. Yeah, you don’t have to use it. But yeah, it’s on our website. Check it out.

Lauren: 30:16
Also, obviously worth

Rooftop Tent Brands Beyond the Snowys Shelves:

Lauren: 30:17
mentioning there’s lots of other brands that do rooftop tents um around the traps. We’re obviously just talking about the ones that we sell and uh have first hand experience with.

Ben: 30:27
You go to a show nowadays and everyone’s got a rooftop tent. They’re all all have their own merits. We’re just talking about the ones that because we can’t we can’t carry them all. We’re just we’ve got some suppliers that we have good relationships with, and they’re the ones that we don’t.

Ben and Lauren’s Rooftop Tent FOMO?!

Lauren: 30:42
I don’t know about you, but I think when you see something like the rooftop tent space really boom and see all these really cool ideas and all these sort of things, I’ve never thought to myself, I’m a rooftop tent camper. Like I’ve never ever really envisioned myself being a rooftop tent camper.

Lauren: 31:00
But I have to admit that in the last couple of weeks, there is a part of me that’s like, I need a rooftop tent. And it’s like, I’m not even sure how, but I’m I’m I’m I just feel like my mind has gone to this space where it’s like, I want a rooftop tent now. I need a rooftop tent now. I’m probably I think I might just I might kit out a little trailer, um, chuck a rooftop tent on because I don’t want anything on my daily driver. But it’s like I want a rooftop tent. And it’s like I just, you know, it’s sort of it’s just…

Ben: 31:28
I’m a little bit the same.

Lauren: 31:30
It’s not FOMO, it’s just I’m being caught up in the excitement of all the cool stuff, you know.

Ben: 31:34
It’s Inspired Overland that’s pulled me into that space because you know as you know, I’m a weight person. So if you’re talking 30 odd kilos, and we did we did mention actually they’ve got something called a Trailpeak coming out soon, which is a side opening. Yes, that’s it does look cool. That’s roomier than their clamshell opening ones. Um has a tonneau cover, that’s pretty cool. But they’ve also got um, and we’re still working through what’s actually going to be available, but they’ve got um it’s on their website, something called a Stargazer, which is got a clear top on it, but they’ve got a Stargazer solo as well.

Lauren: 32:04
Which is just like a little one person half, yeah.

Ben: 32:07
So I need space on my car to put surfboards and stuff. But I think I could have one side as a rooftop tent. I still got space for my surfboard, and then I can just go. Then it’s just you. See you later, family. But not many people doing a single rooftop tent, but then we get the occasional question. I think it’s still out there whether that’s uh something people want or not. Um, I’m yet to have a look at it. I imagine it would be a little claustrophobic, a bit like a hiking tent, but which wouldn’t be for everyone.

Lauren: 32:32
If it suits you and your style, who cares?

Ben: 32:34
Yeah, but I’m the same. I’m kind of thinking, oh, maybe I could use a rooftop. Yeah, maybe there’s a way I could do this. It would make a really easy weekend getaway. Like on a Friday afternoon, you could say, I might just drive down to Pink Gum campground a camp. Yeah, I don’t have to pack much more than some stuff in the fridge.

Lauren: 32:49
Yeah, yeah.

Ben: 32:49
And I can set up camp. Don’t have to worry about whether the ground’s wet, pegs.

Summary

Lauren: 32:53
Nothing.

Ben: 32:54
Just get in there. So we might be converts. We might be anyway. Watch this space. I I don’t know if that was useful. Um, I hope it was. It’s just

Ben: 33:03
a pub conversation that we’re not going to sit here and say this is the best for you, but hopefully that gives you a bit of a a rounded view on the range, what’s coming out, how you might go about choosing your rooftop tent. But we’re always here to answer questions, uh, either in the chat on this video, in the group, Facebook group, because we can answer questions, but there’s heaps of other people in the group who’ll be able to answer the question as well. Yeah. We’ll give Lauren and her team a call and they’ll sort you out. Thanks for watching. We’ll see you next time.

Lauren: 33:29
Catch you later.

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep176 – Talking Rooftop Tent Brands appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep175 – How Much Water to Carry

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 01:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Your liquid lifeline: a guide to water wisdom when you’re miles from a water main!

You can’t go hiking or camping without water. Why? Ben and Lauren tackle the topic water storage and rationing while camping, suggesting how much H2O separates a successful adventure from a survival situation. From Ben’s recommended daily drinking quantities to the reserves that could save your bacon, our gear gurus address the sobering reality of basic survival minimums. The conversation flows through emergency versus everyday calculations, smart storage solutions, and the best refilling strategies for different expedition styles.

Water planning isn’t just another box to tick – it prevents your outdoor adventures from becoming waterborne wake-up calls!

Water planning prevents your outdoor adventures from becoming waterborne wake-up calls!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:27 – Water Storage, Refilling, and How Much to Carry

03:33 – How Much Water to Carry, Daily: A Serious Topic

05:32 – Ben’s Suggested Quantity of Drinking Water

07:00 – Additional Water Rations and Reserves

08:25 – The Least Amount of Water Needed for “Basic Survival”

10:30 – Calculating Water Rations: Day to Day Vs Emergencies

14:44 – Water Storage

15:40 – Best Options for Refilling

18:41 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

All Food & Water Storage

Bulk Water Storage

Hoses and Filters

Jerry cans

Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System 4 Litre

Sawyer Filter/Filtration Systems

Katadyn Micropur Forte Tablets

Podcasts and Blogs:

Ep14 – Water Storage Options for Camping

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep175 – How Much Water to Carry appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Guide to Choosing the Right Gazebo – 2025

Snowys Staff — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:28:26 +0000

Be it sheltering from those gusty gales, or throwing shade in the hottest part of the day – there’s an array of gazebos on the market covering a combination of stability, durability, sun protection, and wind resistance.

We’re not here to cause any tent-sion – but this blog outlines the gazebos we believe throw some serious shade on others of their kind. Enduring the hard-hitting Aussie conditions, and enhancing outdoor setups from the ground up – the following gazebos have been selected based on both their sales data, and the outdoor-expert opinion of some of Snowys’ greatest gear gurus.

Read on for our top picks on the shelters that draw out those outback hangouts, and stay grounded during outdoor dynamics. For more on beach shelters in particular, check out our top 10 best sellers here too!

Read on for our top picks on the shelters that draw out those outback hangouts! Image: OZtrail

Best for Camping and All-Round Use:

OZtrail Deluxe 2.4, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 with Hydroflow

In the 3m x 3m category, the original OZtrail Deluxe 2.4, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 are our top selection owing to their perfect balance of size, weight, durability, and setup system. With a durable steel frame that’s easy to manage and fast-assembling, plus a heavy-duty strut system to prevent buckling as the wind blows, these shelters cover all bases – literally.

Features a UVTex® fabric with vents for airflow, these gazebos provide superior weather protection and bear the brutality of outback elements. Triple-layer reinforced points at the corners and roofline seams also work hand in hand to withstand wear and tear, and improve canopy tension.

The OZtrail Deluxe range are your all-round, you-beaut shelter solutions for camping, market stalls, sporting events – and everything huddled in between.

Simple, reliable, and affordable – the OZtrail Deluxe 3.0 Gazebo with Hydroflow is one of our recommended all-rounders, especially for camping. Image: OZtrail

Best for Functions, Events, and Market Stalls:

OZtrail Commercial Deluxe 2.4, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 Gazebo

For special occasions, the OZtrail Commercial Deluxe range provides reliable shelter across three sizes: 2.4, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0.

A neutral white 500D canopy features a silver lining for reflecting up to 98% of UV radiation, while anti-ponding bars shed water and large roof vents aid with dissipating both wind and heat. To withstand wear and tear, there are reinforced, triple-layer 600D polyester points, a fire retardant that meets the US standard CPAI-84, and Hydroflow anti-ponding bars for better performance in wilder weather.

While the Deluxe 2.4 boasts a compact design, the Deluxe 3.0 maintains its status as the most efficient to both expand and collapse. With the Deluxe 4.5, they’re each recommended for their affordability and reliability. From the outback barbies to the summertime shindigs, the Deluxe 6.0 also provides sufficient shade for special occasions and events – like those backyard birthday parties, or crackling roast Christmas lunches.

The Deluxe Commercial range features heavier frames and fabrics – though when comparing the cost per use with other models, this often means they last longer. The option of a white canopy also provides flexibility for printing unique branding.

The Deluxe Commercial from OZtrail provides simple and reliable shelter for guests. Image: OZtrail

Gazebos with print-ready canopies are perfect for events. Image: OZtrail

Best for the Beach and Windy Conditions

Quest Air Gazebo 3

New to the top-sellers list, it’s the perfect adventure pod for summertime setups!

A 150D UPF50+ polyester construction with 2,000mm waterhead rating both stands up to wet wetter and shields from harsh Aussie rays – plus, a lantern hanging point and hooks for strip lighting mean you can continue the campsite chaos and create true campsite magic at sundown too.

Enjoy indoor space in any outdoor place fast, with single-point inflation and double valves for rapid deflation. Plus, an oversized carry bag allows for easy packing and neat storage.

Expand your family home away from home with the Air Gazebo 3 by Quest!

The perfect adventure pod for summertime setups. Image: Quest

With a 150D polyester inflatable airframe, this gazebo is both sturdy and quick to pitch. Image: Quest

Best for Portability

OZtrail Compact 2.4 and 3.0 Gazebo

Maintaining modesty in space and weight – the OZtrail Compact 2.4 will have you cracking open a cold one and settled by sunset, owing to their efficient and, as its name suggests, compact design.

Built for fairer conditions, a high-quality powder-coated steel frame with ABS componentry provides strength and structure, certified by Australian Engineers and working hand in hand with all guy ropes for steadfast security at the campsite. Their 150D polyester canopies are UV-treated, where a silver coating reflects 98% of harsh Aussie sun rays. Plus, roof vents allow adequate ventilation, heat mediation, and wind dissipation.

For compact camp clobber that packs a punch, the Compact also collapses into a heavy-duty wheeled carry bag for convenient transport.

For smaller vehicles, or limited outdoor spaces – try the OZtrail Compact. Image: OZtrail

Best for Beating the Bugs

OZtrail Fast Frame 3.2m x 3m Screenhouse

This screenhouse stands as an impregnable fortress against bothersome bugs!

Bound by a stitched-in heavy-duty PE floor, the Fast Frame 3.2 x 3m Screenhouse by Quest Outdoors springs to life in moments thanks to its innovative Fast Frame system for swift, hassle-free setup. The twin hub frame allows more internal space and increased headroom, while ultra-fine No-See-Um mesh defends against Aussie insects whilst maximising cooling breeze benefits. Two exterior walls provide flexibility, doubling as awnings or sunwalls when drawn shut.

This screenhouse stands as an impregnable fortress against bothersome bugs!

This screenhouse packs easily into an oversized carry bag for easy storage.

Best for Bearing it All

Darche Outpost 3 x 3 Gazebo

Delivering reliable shelter from backyard barbecues to beachside basecamps!

Constructed from robust 250 Denier canopy with silver coating, the Outpost offers superior UPF 50+ sun protection while built-in air vents prevent lofting in windy conditions. The sturdy 32mm powder-coated steel frame and reinforced feet create a steadfast foundation, with five adjustable leg heights ranging from 177cm to 213cm for excellent headroom. Weather unexpected showers confidently with the 3000mm waterhead-rated canopy too, rigorously tested to prevent pooling and ensure reliable rain resistance.

Delivering reliable shelter from backyard to outback!

The Outpost offers superior UPF 50+ sun protection while built-in air vents prevent lofting in windy conditions.

We’ve got to mention this guy:

OZtrail Deluxe 3.0 BlockOut Gazebo

Sporting a traditional gazebo design, this shelter throws some serious shade.

Its seam-sealed canopy is coated with BlockOut technology to shield from direct sunlight and reduce heat by up to 11 degrees. On wetter days, anti-ponding Hydroflow bars prevents pooling and thus canopy damage, while a stainless steel frame has this shelter sturdier than a tree-stump stool at a campsite. A three-stage system also allows for maximum height and efficient pack-down process too.

Sporting a traditional gazebo design, this shelter throws some serious shade.

Its seam-sealed canopy is coated with BlockOut technology to shield from direct sunlight and reduce heat by up to 11 degrees.

Top Gazebo Tips:

Ahead of adverse weather conditions, consider adding solid walls as a barrier and means of protection from the elements.
Mesh walls also provide relief within your shelter from bothersome bugs.
Before packing away the frame, remove the canopy to protect it from pinching within the struts. This will avoid any unnecessary wear and tear.
For added stability on bitumen or gravel, it’s recommended to use sandbags or a base pod kit to anchor your shelter.

Any other gazebo contenders you reckon could bump our top picks?

The post Guide to Choosing the Right Gazebo – 2025 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep174 – Canvas Vs Synthetic Tents

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 01:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

The age-old tent tussle: canvas champions versus synthetic titans…

This episode unpacks Ben and Lauren’s pitch on a deceptively simple yet loaded question: which out of canvas or synthetic tents are the most superior for various types of outdoor adventuring? Our gear gurus start by laying down the foundation; addressing primary differences in weight, durability, and water resistance, while considering how your camping style influences the best choice.

From lighter canvas innovations, keeping natural fibres dry, and the trade-offs between robustness and portability, to why sacrificing features for simplicity might be the ultimate weight-saving strategy – tune in for a comprehensive guide that proves the ‘better’ tent is simply what suits your style of adventure.

Tune in for a comprehensive guide that proves the ‘better’ tent is simply what suits your style of adventure.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:23 – Canvas Vs Synthetic Tents: Which Is ‘Better’?

03:24 – Primary Differences

04:54 – Canvas Tents: Weight, Durability and Water Resistance

05:55 – Synthetic Tents: Weight, Durability and Water Resistance

06:51 – Types of Camping and Duration of Stay

08:38 – Lighter Canvas

09:10 – Keeping Canvas Dry

09:32 – Best for Longevity and Robustness

10:12 – Best for Lightweight Portability

11:09 – Which Tent Suits What You’re Doing?

13:19 – Ben’s First Mid-Episode Sneeze!

13:30 – Saving Weight: Sacrificing Features for Simplicity

14:39 – Rooftop Tents

15:11 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Canvas tents

Synthetic tents

Oztent RV Canvas Touring Tents

Darche Safari Touring Tents

Zempire Air Tents

Coleman Instant Up Tents

OZtrail Fast Frame Tents

Dome tents

Podcasts and Blogs:

Ep113 – Our Pitch on Picking a Tent

Best Family Camping Tents for 2025

Best 4WD & Touring Tents for 2025

Pitch Perfect: Choosing the Right Tent

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep174 – Canvas Vs Synthetic Tents appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep173 – Non-EN-Rated Sleeping Bags

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 01:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

The sleeping bag rebels going rogue on ratings!

Ben and Lauren dive into non-EN-rated sleeping bags, explaining why these rating renegades might actually be onto something! Our gear gurus decode what EN standards really tell you (and what they don’t), and introduce their very own Snowys rating – focusing on real-world warmth over laboratory perfection.

The conversation covers Lauren’s field-tested, cold-weather survival tactics, warranty claims that’ll leave you out in the cold, and Ben’s refreshingly honest take on why some of the best bags don’t always boast a certification.

The sleeping bag rebels going rogue on ratings!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:46 – Sleeping Bags Without an EN Rating

02:56 – EN Ratings: What Are They and What Do They Mean?

06:18 – Contributing Factors to How Well We Sleep

08:40 – The ‘Snowys’ Rating

09:52 – Reputable Sleeping Bag Brands Without EN Ratings

10:55 – Lauren’s Cold-Weather Sleep System

13:45 – Comparing Sleeping Bag Models

15:50 – What’s Not A Warranty Claim

16:34 – Ben’s Conclusion

17:32 – Being Dynamic With Your Sleep Setup

20:28 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

All sleeping bags

Coleman sleeping bags

Darche sleeping bags

23ZERO sleeping bags

OZtrail sleeping bags

Podcasts and Blogs:

The Sea to Summit Sleep Systems

The Best Sleeping Bags for Camping: 2025 Review

Ep102 – Sleeping Bags Unpacked

Zempire Monstabeds – Single and Twin

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep173 – Non-EN-Rated Sleeping Bags appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep172 – Getting Back Into Camping

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 01:19:01 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Your camping comeback: when the great outdoors feels a little too great…

Ben and Lauren tackle the daunting prospect of returning to camping, addressing everything from solo adventure anxiety to navigating gear choices with physical limitations and tight budgets. Our gear gurus break down the sleep system essentials that actually matter, decode camp cooking without the complexity, pull up a seat to discuss why your choice of chair can make a difference, and lay everything out on the table about how the ultimate slat-top can elevate your time outdoors.

A go-getting, geared-up guide for anyone who’s as ready to get out there as they are frozen at the front door – tune in for the conversation that paves the way for your new outdoor mojo!

A go-getting, geared-up guide for anyone who’s as ready to get out there as they are frozen at the front door!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:17 – The Intimidating Side of Camping Alone

04:01 – Getting Back into Camping as a Beginner with Limitations

07:26 – Sleep Systems: Sleeping Bags and Mattresses

16:11 – Food Storage, Prep, and Cooking

23:13 – Tables

29:04 – Chairs

35:10 – The Two Camp Items Not to Skimp On…

36:04 – Summary

36:41 – Ben’s Suggestion For a Tent

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

OZtrail 3D Fatmat

Coleman Pilbara sleeping bags

Coleman Mudgee sleeping bags

Sea To Summit Basecamp Down Sleeping Bag

Darche Cold Mountain sleeping bags

23ZERO Arctic Black sleeping bags

EvaKool IceKool iceboxes

Fridges & Coolers

Food & Water Storage

Wandalite tables and chairs

Wildtrak Leisure Australia Compact 70cm Table

Zempire Kitpac Pro Camping Tables

Zempire Slatpac Camp Tables

Quest Outdoors Camp Tables

Quest Outdoors Versalite BBQ 120 Multi Height Table

Helinox Chairs

Darche Revolver Chair

Darche Flat Pack Chair

BlackWolf Compact Directors Chair

Frontrunner Expanders Camping Chair

OZtrail King Goanna Chair

OZtrail Cooler Arm Chair

Coleman King Cooler Arm Chair

Zempire Aerospeed 6 Air Tent

Podcasts and Blogs:

Ep13 – Camping on a Budget

Ep39 – Fridges Vs. Iceboxes

Ep153 – Fridge Capacity: Is Bigger Better?

Ep64 – Compare the Chairs

Best Camp Chairs for 2025

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep172 – Getting Back Into Camping appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The Best Hiking Tents for 2025

Snowys Staff — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 20:06:38 +0000

From trailblazing the ranges by day, to stargazing the milky way by night – overnight or extended hiking trips require a suitable hiking tent.

Our customers have made the decisions. We’re just here to spread the word! Credit: ‘Things Amy Does’

Don’t just take our word for it. A high-performing tent will often receive good reviews. The more favourable the reviews, the more people are inclined to purchase and subsequently review it themselves – thus continuing the cycle. Basically, our customers have made the decisions. We’re just here to spread the word!

This isn’t a ranking of the ten most ‘technical’ tents. There are no hidden agendas or incentives, nor any imitations on price or brand. No strings or guy ropes attached. Instead, we’ve given bias the boot and determined the ten most popular tents by the number of sales, both online and instore at Snowys, over the past 12 months. Each tent falls within the boundaries of standard hiking tent criteria, including weight and dimensions – and while this year’s top contenders almost mirror the last, some have shuffled in the rank.

So – let’s get kicking to the pinnacle!

From trailblazing the ranges by day, to stargazing the milky way by night.

10. Zempire Zeus Hiking Tent

Classically lightweight with space for two, the Zempire Zeus Hiking Tent offers both an entrance and vestibule for each adventurer.

A twin hub pole structure creates near vertical sides and ample internal space as well as a stable free-standing frame. With a full mesh inner, draft panels, highly waterproof floor and rip-stop fly – this tent is built for roughing at the summit with its tough, durable design.

One of the most functional in the Zempire tent range, the Zeus takes every hiker, backpacker, and track lover from mountain crest to much-needed rest!

The Zeus is one of the most functional in the Zempire tent range. Credit: Zempire

9. OZtrail Nomad Hiking Tent

The Nomad Hiking Tent range by OZtrail delivers lightweight, no-fuss shelter for weekend warriors – whether you’re flying solo in the 1P or doubling up in the 2P. Both feature shorter section poles for compact packing, No-See-Um mesh for superior ventilation and bug protection, plus UVTex-coated polyester flies with seam sealing to battle UV rays and rough weather. The 2P boasts dual vestibules and generous doors for easy gear stashing and hassle-free entry, while internal pockets keep your knick-knacks sorted and off the tent floor.

For uncomplicated overnighters and weekend escapes, the OZtrail Nomad range keeps it simple so you can keep slaying the slopes!

Delivering lightweight, no-fuss shelter for weekend warriors!

8. Zempire Atom Hiking Tent

Zempire’s Atom rubs shoulders with the Mono; a similar tent that despite missing out on the rank this year, ensures a minimum weight while maintaining strength and performance in the field.

Both feature the same materials and packed size, with the exception of the Atom’s brow pole allowing for a more comfortable upright position when there’s a need to bunker down in unideal conditions.

The Atom’s brow pole allows for a more comfortable upright position when there’s a need to bunker down in unideal conditions. Credit: Zempire

7. Outdoor Connection Howqua 2 and 3 Hiking Tents

From tearing up the tracks to hitting the sack, the Howqua 2P and 3P tents by Outdoor Connection are the most ideal lightweight tent for the kayakers, backpackers, or motorcycle tourers.

The two-pole design allows more space within the tent, with an inner of polyester and No-See-Um mesh for breathability. Be it pitter-pattering, or pelting – stay protected from rain with a 3000 millimetre waterhead rating, heat-taped seams, and a 75-Denier 210 polyester fly. With space for boots and bags in the the vestibules, enter and exit your personal hikers’ hub from either of the dual doorways.

With a minimalist set-up and a price to match, the Howqua 2P and 3P tents are a tourer’s most trusted travel companion.

The Outdoor Connection Howqua tents are the most ideal lightweight tent for kayakers, backpackers, or motorcycle tourers. Credit: Outdoor Connection

6. BlackWolf Mantis Ultralight 1 and 2 Hiking Tents

Blissful sanctuaries for the solitary soul-searchers on the slopes – the Mantis UL 1 and UL 2 from BlackWolf are ergonomically designed for hiking and backpacking amid weather ranging from mild, to wild!

Both the UL 1 and UL 2 are lightweight models with compact, pack-friendly designs. Their low-profile structures are made for the more rugged outdoor missions, boding well for steadiness in adverse conditions. A waterhead rating of 2000mm on the fly and taped seams battles the brutality of heavy rain. Meanwhile, the vestibule provides the means for additional storage, and the No-See-Um mesh vents double as insect protection and a means of airflow.

The BlackWolf Mantis Ultralight 1 and 2 Hiking Tents are the compact yet roomy choice for the hikers fresh to the tracks and the mountaineers savvy with their money!

Blissful sanctuaries for the solitary soul-searchers on the slopes. Credit: BlackWolf

5. Cradle 1P, 2P, and 3P Hiking Tents

If you like it, hike it – with the Cradle 1P, 2P, and 3P Hiking Tents by Roman, which still camp cosily in our best-sellers list!

A lightweight and compact construction boasts alloy poles with ‘v’ stakes, for security in outdoor serenity! A quick setup design features internal hanging room and colour-coded poles – so you can match, attach, and tip that frothy down the hatch in no time. With ventilation throughout and at the rear, and a generous front vestibule, you’re equipped for lazy lounge-about afternoons post hike. Plus, owing to to compression straps on the carry bag, you can roll over, roll up, and roll on out of camp with tightly bundled hiking clobber!

Keep it kicking on the hike track with the Roman Cradle Hiking Tents, offering a cosy, cot-like nap beating the need for nightcaps!

The Roman Cradle hiking tents offer a cosy, off-track cranny. Image: Roman

4. BlackWolf Grasshopper Ultralight 2 and 3 Hiking Tents

Ranking since 2020, the BlackWolf Grasshopper Ultralight tent is Available in two and three-person variants. While these models have been featured in the BlackWolf range for many years, the brand decided to incorporate the use of lighter-weight fabrics within recent years.

The unique pole structure forms a dome shape with upright sidewalls, allowing for more internal space. With two teardrop-shaped doors and vestibules, the Grasshopper’s inner is constructed entirely from mesh for superior ventilation. Thanks to the colour-coded poles, you can be set up by sundown and packed down by daybreak.

The Grasshopper Ultralight tents by Black Wolf are a lightweight, mid-range option, ideal for use in the warmer and shoulder seasons.

The tent’s unique pole structure forms a dome shape with upright sidewalls, allowing for more internal space. Credit: BlackWolf

3. Cloud Up 1P, 2P, and 3P Hiking Tents

The Cloud Up Hiking Tent range by Naturehike offers lightweight, overnight pods for mountainside nomads – whether flying solo in the 1P, paired up in the 2P, or rolling three-deep in the 3P. All boast superior 7001 aluminium poles, 20D Nylon PU-coated 4000mm waterproof construction, and clever Y-shaped pole systems for efficient 5-minute setup. Dual-layer ventilation with high-density B3 mesh promotes airflow, while generous headroom and vestibule space keep gear sorted.

Complete with footprint, pegs, guy lines, and strapping tape – these cloudlike canopies deliver weightless mountain moments for every lightweight adventure!

Offering lightweight, overnight pods for mountainside nomads!

2. Companion Pro Hiker 2 Tent

Crowned number 1 in 2022, the Companion Pro Hiker 2 Tent has remained at number 2 for 3 years running in yet another alarming 2025 rank review!

Despite discontinuing the one- and three-person models, Companion has maintained this two-person design – along with its near-perfect 5-star ratings. A traditional dome style tent, the Pro Hiker 2 features dual doors and vestibules. By no means is it the lightest tent, nor does it offer as much internal space as some of its corrivals – but it remains both a reliable and affordable performer. With a robust floor, an inner constructed of three-season mesh and polyester, and alloy poles – the Pro Hiker 2 is conveniently furnished with roof vents, organiser pockets, and a gear loft for storage.

The Companion Pro Hiker 2 is where lightweight functionality reaches a crossroad with door-busting durability – at an affordable price.

The Companion Pro Hiker 2 is where lightweight functionality reaches a crossroad with door-busting durability – at an affordable price. Credit: Companion

1. Explore Planet Earth Spartan 1, 2, 3, and 4 Hiking Tents

The Spartan Hiking Tent range by Explore Planet Earth delivers the most butt-kicking blend of quality and affordability – bringing them to number 1 for yet another year! Perfect for adventurers who won’t drop serious coin on more glamorous gear – whether flying solo in the 1P, doubling up in the 2P, going three-deep in the 3P, or rolling crew-deep in the 4P – these tents pack serious punch without breaking the bank! All feature 4000mm waterproof rating, UV50+ protection, No-See-Um mesh doors for superior ventilation, and aluminium alloy poles with speed clip systems for easy setup.

From first-time hikers to seasoned trail blazers, the Spartan range takes eager adventurers from the metropolitan maze to the trails primed to blaze!

The EPE Spartan 2P and 3P tents boast the most butt-kicking blend of quality and affordability. Credit: Explore Planet Earth

We’ve got to mention these guys…

Sea to Summit Alto and Telos Ultralight Tents

They’re the gear guru’s choice for gold on those off-grid getaways – and they just missed out on the top ten best-sellers list for the past 12 months!

A lightbar offers a point to attach a headlamp for late-night ‘tent-ertainment’ too. Credit: Sea to Summit

Despite their weightless designs, the Alto and Telos series tents by Sea to Summit boast longevity. Standing up to the rough and tumble of outdoor adventuring, their superior performing materials include DAC poles, robust YKK zippers, and 7-series aluminium hardware.

The seam-taped, PU-coated rainfly can be assembled before the tent itself to ensure a dry setup and pack-down – and for the Telos, ‘hangout mode’ incorporates pair of separately available trekking poles to convert the rainfly into a half-open shelter. A lightbar offers a point to attach a headlamp for late-night ‘tent-ertainment’ too, with the option to secure the tent pole storage pouch to the apex for a softer light. Plus, enjoy three gear storage pockets for the valuables that transform into three stuff sacks through Sea to Summit’s FairShare, split-load storage system.

A tension ridge creates more head-and-shoulder space, greater vestibule area, and higher doorways for easy entry and exit, while colour-coded poles and pole feet bring home that quick-clicking and a butt-kicking blend of lightweight and durable. Plus, Ground Control Light tent pegs, guy lines, and custom attachment toggles ensure a steadfast setup.

Ben and Lauren discuss the range with Ross Smith from Sea to Summit on the Snowys Camping Show:

Both the Alto and the Telos tents are compatible with separately available accessories such as footprints and gear lofts, and also available in a bikepacking design for those two-wheeled adventures. Below, our very own Ben takes us through the features of Sea to Summit’s Alto Ultralight Tent and the Telos TR Ultralight Tent:

Were you surprised at this year’s top 10? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Best Hiking Tents for 2025 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep171 – Roof Rack Storage

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 23:36:23 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From forehead tattoos to foolproof roof rack setups…

Our podcast playlist is officially racking up with this week’s packed-in episode of content that stacks up!

First, Lauren asks the million-dollar question that tests Ben’s brand loyalty – before our gear gurus tackle the art of roof rack storage without losing your gear to the elements. The conversation covers waterproofing strategies, Ben’s personal setup secrets, and his top three tips for keeping everything secure and accessible. Our outdoor experts debate the merits of top-loading versus end-loading waterproof bags, explore different packing philosophies, and prove that there’s more than one way to conquer roof rack organisation.

Shout it from the roof racks, and tune in for the ultimate guide to practical packing up top!

This week’s episode is packed with content that stacks up!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:08 – Lauren Asks: Would Ben Tattoo a Brand Name on His Forehead for $1M?

04:09 – The Best Way to Stow Gear on Your Roof Rack

04:23 – Waterproofing Gear on a Roof Rack: Is it Possible?

07:05 – Ben’s Roof Rack System: Setup and Waterproofing

10:48 – Ben’s Top 3 Tips to Roof Rack Storage

11:40 – Top-Loading Vs End-Loading Waterproof Bags

17:27 – There’s No Right or Wrong Way…

18:22 – Closing Comments and Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Darche Nero Gear Bags

Caribee Expedition Waterproof Kit Bag

23ZERO Transpac 60L Bag

Tiegear Tie-Downs

OZtrail Heavy Duty Poly Tarp

Rightline Gear Moki Ascent Car Door Step

Podcasts and Blogs:

The Ultimate Guide to 4WD Roof Racks

Ep148 – How to Mount a Roof Top Tent

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep171 – Roof Rack Storage appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Camp Chairs for 2025

Snowys Staff — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:06:33 +0000

We all know the fight for a good seat.

In fact, we consider it in almost every aspect of life, sometimes subconsciously.

Where will we sit in the cinema?

Where’s the best position on the sidelines of a sports game to catch all the action?

What’s the most ideal spot around the campfire for maximum warmth and minimum smoke?

Of course, the most important factor is the seat itself. The comfort and convenience of the chair beneath your derrière can make or break a social experience (well, aside from the jokes you tell). At the campsite, usually on offer is the modest wooden log, the humble tree stump, the ground, possibly your mate’s lap… or any of the camp chairs in this year’s best sellers list!

Stripped of all bias, this selection is based on our sales data over the previous 12 months. From padded backs and Hotspot pockets to quad-fold designs and knick-knack holders, take a seat and read up on what makes these the most popular camp chairs for 2025.

From padded backs and Hotspot pockets to quad-fold designs and knick-knack holders, take a seat and read up! Image: Oztent

Best All-Rounder

Oztent King Goanna and King Goanna HotSpot

One of the most comfortable chairs on the market, the King Goanna Chair provides hours of seating comfort in every Aussie campsite.

Boasting a tough 600D fabric over a heavy-duty steel frame, the chair features front support struts and machined steel feet to support up to 200kg. A fully padded seat combined with adjustable lumbar support also delivers ultimate tailored comfort, while two insulated drink holders and accessory pockets keep necessities at hand too. For added warmth in the wintery weather, check out the Hotspot version too.

With added padding on the carry bag for safe and secure storage, the King Goanna delivers years of reliability at the campsite.

Oztent King Goanna Chair

Best for the Beach and Beats on the Green

Coleman Deluxe Mesh Event, OZtrail Festival Arm Chair, and Exped Sit Pad Flex

Great things come in three’s, like this triplet of low-rise retreat seats!

Firstly, a great value chair for any outdoor event is the Coleman Deluxe Mesh Event, offering cool but compact comfort. With a low-seated design and super strong mesh for breathability, kick back and enjoy the outdoors with an easy, breezy, seating solution in warmer weather. At a lightweight 2.9kg too, it remains neat and compact when packed into its included carry bag.

Next, the OZtrail Festival Arm chair has been designed for seaside slumbers and festival frivolities alike. Built akin to a regular quad-fold camp chair only with a low powder-coated steel frame and generously padded seat and back to ensure stable comfort wherever you park your derriére. Keep the bevvies at your beckoned call thanks to a cup and stemmed wine glass holder, while an included carry bag offers simple storage and transport from the backseat to the seaside. Go seamlessly from sand and sun to shaded grassy parks with the OZtrail Festival Arm chair.

From hiking to kayaking adventures beyond the treeline — the Sit Pad Flex by Exped delivers lightweight comfort wherever you park your backside! This clever closed-cell foam pad features a 3-panel design that folds out quickly for instant field seating. At just 1.8cm thick with R-Value 1.5 (ASTM tested), it provides cushioned insulation against cold surfaces while sliding effortlessly into bike bags, mesh panels, or backpack pockets.

Left to Right: Coleman Deluxe Mesh Event Chair, Exped Sit Pad Flex, and OZtrail Festival Arm Chair

Best for the Loafers and Loungers

OZtrail Galaxy 2- and 3-Seater Lounges

It’s never easy to choose between your best mates – until the Galaxy 2- and 3-Seaters waddle their way into camp!

With room for two and three respectively, these extra-long seats boast a hard-wearing 600D denier fabric with double-layer padding, while their powder-coated steel tube frames offer durability against wear, tear, and your derrières! From picnics and campsites to kicking back at a concert, keep the bevvies close by in the integrated wine glass holders at either end and stash your phone, book, or tablet in the mesh pocket too.

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves – until we don’t have to, thanks to the Galaxy 2- and 3-Seaters!

Left to Right: OZtrail Galaxy 3-Seater Lounge and Galaxy 2-Seater Lounge

Best for Cold Weather Camping

Oztent Koala Hotspot Lounge

Like a giant hug on legs, the Koala Hotspot Lounge from Oztent is the cuddliest cradle in our camp chair range!

Fully padded for surrounding comfort, a 600D ripstop polyester fabric covers a durable steel frame boasting a 200kg weight rating. With adjustable lumbar support too, a HotSpot pouch provides passive heat on the frosty mornings and chilly evenings for added consolation at camp. An insulated drink and phone holder on one side keeps the necessities in arm’s reach, while two mesh pockets hold other knick-knacks and essentials for those drawn-out lounge-abouts!

Curl up in cushioned comfort with the Koala Hotspot Lounge.

Oztent Koala Hotspot Lounge Chair

Best for Watching Campsite Drama

BlackWolf Compact Directors

Grab the popcorn.

Featuring a folding steel frame that supports a sturdy seating platform, its durable padded seat and backrest also contribute to its impressive 140kg weight rating. A unique and compact folding action with built-in carry handle makes for easy transport, while a built-in side table, cup holder, and accessory pocket are handy touches.

Lights – camera – BlackWolf! Take action with the Compact Directors Chair.

BlackWolf Compact Directors Chair

Best Stool

Outdoor Connection Multipurpose Compact

Yep, just as it sounds: lightweight, portable, and found beneath your backside.

…Uh, not that kind of stool.

Constructed from durable material, the Multipurpose Compact stools feature a wave cylinder design with multiple locking points for strength and stability. Thanks to a simple pull-and-twist mechanism, they lock into place at your chosen height. Just like that solid piece of stump pretending to be a chair at site, these stools are tough and robust, boasting a 150kg weight rating – plus, a carry handle and adjustable shoulder strap for carrying convenience.

Use as a stool, side table, or footrest!

Outdoor Connection Multipurpose Compact Stools

Best for the All-In-One Campers

OZtrail Emperor 8-Position Arm Chair

Ruling the roost from home to campsite — the Emperor 8 Position Recliner Chair by OZtrail delivers sovereign comfort wherever you reign!

This royal throne boasts padded seat and backrest with eight reclining positions to cater for every comfort whim. A sliding side table features integrated cup and wine holders, while moulded armrests provide regal support. The powder-coated steel frame combines 22mm and 19mm tubes supporting 150kg, meanwhile durable 600D polyester fabric withstands outdoor abuse.

OZtrail Emperor 8 Position Recliner

The comfort of the chair beneath your derrière can make or break a social experience! Image: OZtrail

Best for Compact Packing

Helinox Chair Zero and Chair Zero High-Back

Worth their weight in gold — the Chair Zero range by Helinox delivers full-sized comfort at a drink bottle weight for trail-ready relaxation!

The standard Chair Zero features lightweight TH72M alloy frame supporting 120kg with reinforced grid fabric, while the High-Back model boasts advanced aircraft-grade aluminium construction with fibre-reinforced nylon hubs. Both pack compactly for rucksack transport and feature high-quality strengthened fabrics. From low-ground lounging to high-back luxury, these chairs blend durability with packability, ensuring you never sacrifice comfort when space and weight matter most!

Helinox Chair Zero and Chair Zero High-Back

Best for Lightweight Adventures

Helinox Chair One

Save your derriere from rocky perches — the award-winning Chair One by Helinox delivers lightweight luxury on every adventure!

Constructed from premium TH72M alloy by DAC with robust nylon hubs and durable seat fabrics, this chair offers superior strength without weight penalty. The elastic shock cord frame assembles itself while flexing comfortably to mould to your body. Packing down to just 35cm with convenient carry bag loops, whether you’re motorcycling, river adventuring, or trail hiking, rest comfortably with Helinox’s original lightweight champion!

Helinox Chair One

Best Solid-Arm Quad-Fold

OZtrail Sovereign Cooler Arm Chair

Unwind in affordable luxury — the Sovereign Cooler Arm Chair by OZtrail delivers quality comfort for every outdoor escape!

This comfortable throne features sturdy 17.5mm high-tensile steel frame supporting 130kg with hardwearing 600D polyester fabric seat. One armrest boasts mesh drink holder while the other houses an insulated cooler for double-parking your beverages. A convenient grab-and-go rear strap ensures easy transport between sites. Pick the prime spot and perch yourself in maximum relaxation with OZtrail’s sovereign comfort!

OZtrail Sovereign Cooler Arm Chair

Best Children’s Chair

Coleman Firefly Illumi-Bug

For the kids who like to kick back, the Firefly Illumi-Bug by Coleman provides the ultimate lounge-about hangout!

With glow-in-the-dark designs that kids will love, these cheeky chairs feature an insulated cooler pouch and mesh drink holder – plus a safety lock mechanism to keep the frame secure while in use. Embellished with a padded backrest and additional storage pockets, and bundling compact into their included carry bag – they’re the restful nests that put the ‘fun’ in functionality for the little campers with massive imaginations! Check out the sleeping bags in this range too.

Coleman Firefly Illumi-Bug Kids Chair

Best for the Self-Proclaimed Kings of the Campsite

Oztent King Kokoda

Delivering true rustic royalty, the King Kokoda is the top-selling solid-arm chair – the alfresco throne blending sturdy and solid with tailored support and padded comfort.

Promising years of reliability, a heavy-duty steel frame works with a robust 600D fabric construction, while a fully padded seat combines with adjustable lumbar support to overdeliver on camp comfort. Two insulated drink holders and accessory pockets keep necessities at hand too – plus, a carry bag provides additional padding when stored within the headrest.

Oztent King Kokoda Chair

Ben and Lauren also discuss camp chairs in Episode 64 of the Snowys’ Camping Show:

Any chairs you reckon should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Best Camp Chairs for 2025 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep170 – The Snowys Story with Richard Wescombe

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:03:38 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From shearing sheep and dishing pizza to doorsteps, to shepherding outdoor adventurers with the right gear, get-up, and guidance…

Ben unlocks the rich, robust, entrepreneurial past of Snowys Outdoors founder Richard Wescombe, from his humble beginnings to today’s outdoor retail royalty. Richard’s early ventures with Dial-A-Dino’s pizza delivery service, Stanford Mowers, and Ring-A-Ling Brothers Chinese food together built the solid foundation of experience and know-how to found his proudest establishment and asset to every Aussie adventurer – Snowys Outdoors.

From the inspiration behind the Snowys brand to the art of building a team that sticks around, Richard tells a story of true grit, Aussie wit, and team spirit, underpinned by his all-too authentic passion for people. Tune in for a feel-good, warm-and-fuzzy discussion about a business driven not by dollars and cents, but customer service, collaboration, and connection.

The business driven not by dollars and cents, but customer service, collaboration, and connection.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:31 – Introducing Founder of Snowys Outdoors, Richard Wescombe

02:12 – From Humble Beginnings on a Sheep Farm

05:19 – Richard’s Business Portfolio

06:06 – Dial-A Dino’s

08:54 – Remembering Greg

09:58 – Stanford Mowers

10:46 – Ring-A-Ling Brothers

12:04 – Building the Snowys Brand: The Inspiration, Name, and Logo

16:01 – The Adelaide Market in 1995

18:15 – Richard’s Approach to Choosing the Right Team

19:59 – The Evolution of Snowys’ Advertising

21:51 – Ben: A Snowys Asset!

24:56 – ‘Build Your Own Brand’: Richard’s Philosophy on Fostering Employee Growth

25:52 – Branding Strategies

27:55 – Snowys Brand Values: the ‘Why’ Behind the Business

29:18 – Growing the Snowys’ Web Business and E-Commerce

34:45 – Challenges and Set Backs

40:27 – Business Expansion

43:46 – Opening the Snowys Stores

47:28 – The ‘Leaner’ Team of Today: Efficient, Committed, and Multi-Skilled

49:09 – Phasing Out Footwear and Apparel

52:58 – Doubling Down on Snowys Principles

55:20 – The Feathers in Ben’s Cap

56:11 – Running a Family Business

01:00:15 – Richard’s Dreams for Snowys Outdoors

01:04:05 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

‘Dial a Dino’s’ Pizza Delivery

Stanford Mowers

Snowys Outdoors

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep170 – The Snowys Story with Richard Wescombe appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Portable Fire Pits – Our Hot Picks for 2025

Snowys Staff — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 22:07:37 +0000

From feeding the flames to feeding our friends – a fire pit offers warmth, campsite ambience, and even a cooking space for the cooler camp trips and backyard shindigs.

After trimming the fat that is bias and sales incentives, we can now present a list of pits that deliver the ultimate outback blend of barbecued food and crackling campfires. Be you a camper who feels the cold, or a chargrilled grub master – make no missed-steak, our best-selling fire pits for 2025 are no smoke!

Without further ado, let’s bring the joy of good food and outback magic with our hottest sellers for this year…

A fire pit brings the joy of good food and outback magic. Image: 23ZERO

Hottest for the Gadget Gurus

BioLite Fire Pit+ Wood & Charcoal Burning Fire Pit

Debunking the old saying, ‘where there’s smoke there’s fire’, the FirePit+ from BioLite is the smokeless solution!

For the gear gurus or the niftier nomads, this pit boasts state-of-the-art tech in an ergonomic design. Patented airflow technology ensures hyper-efficient flames and clean combustion, while x-ray mesh on the body conveys a floating fire and adjustable rack takes both charcoal or wood. Plus, enamel coating and larger perforations within the mesh provide more radiant heat, and a removable grill grate provides the means to go hibachi-style at dinnertime. The FirePit+ is powered by a 12,800mAh battery that offers over 28 hours of power on the low setting, controllable manually or remotely from the compatible Bluetooth app.

With nothing but five-star reviews from our customers, this fire pit is considered a ‘firebug’s delight’ – easy to light, ambient, and generates little mess.

A fire pit offers warmth, campsite ambience, and even a cooking space for the cooler camp trips and backyard shindigs. Image: BioLite

Hot, Sturdy, and Aussie-Made

Supa Peg Frontier Fire Pit

Stylish, sturdy, and easy to store!

Supa Peg are renowned for their innovatively designed products, where the Frontier’s 8-panelled system features panels and base plates locked together by a specifically engineered retaining pin for a closed in, safe, and efficient fire pit. Boasting a laser-cut, heavy-duty steel construction, it packs down flat into a durable carry bag. A base plate keeps your fire elevated, while attractive flame stencils in each panel creates ambience at camp and plenty of airflow to keep the blaze burning. Plus, attach the included BBQ rails for an instant cooktop.

Described as ‘so good’, ‘so simple’, and as good ‘as described’ by our customers – check out Ben’s demonstration on how to set it up, and let the good times burn!

Hottest for Comfort and Cooking

Darche Stainless Steel BBQ and Fire Pits | 310, 450, and 630

Good things come in threes, and nothing has ever been truer than with Darche‘s BBQ and Fire Pit units that take you from the back patio to alfresco. Since last year’s rank, all three models have now made the rank, offering bang(ers) for buck too.

Each boasting a compact size and sleek, stylish steel construction, these fire pits are simple to set up and pack down with a foldable, flat-pack design for space-saving storage and transit. Available in three sizes – 310, 450, and 630 – Darche’s fire pit boasts a solid base plate that clips on simply and securely, a trivet that sits snug inside, and a grill.

Hottest to the Shelves

UCO Flatpack Portable Grill and Firepit

Now we’re (not) cooking with gas! Hot and fresh to the Snowys shelves, the UCO Flatpack Portable Grill & Firepit boasts a flatpack design and easy setup, guaranteeing char-grilled chicken anywhere you choose to assemble it.

A durable stainless-steel construction ensures longevity, while the removable grill has you going swiftly from cooking over flames to warming your hands by the campfire.

Set-up only takes 30 seconds, while its raised design prevents the unsightly campfire scars on the ground, encouraging the Leave No Trace principles.

Hottest off the Shelves

23ZERO BBQ 51 | Stainless Steel Fire Pit and BBQ

Our most popular fire pit for 2024, missing out on a BBQ 51 Stainless Steel Firepit and BBQ by 23Zero would be a huge missed-steak!

With a lightweight flat-pack design and included carry bag for perfect portability and easy storage, you can trim less fat from your load! Its grill bridge is both detachable and adjustable, allowing heat control across four heights and an open fire experience when removed. Thanks to a robust stainless-steel construction of the body, cooking grill, and bridge, your firepit and BBQ are protected against outdoor heat and hostility, while food-grade materials promise burger patties free of toxins!

Its elevation component coupled with the protective heatshield underneath deters heat from the ground too, enabling use in parks and on foresty floors. Cook with an array of fuel sources including wood, heat bead, charcoal, and briquettes too.

From the BBQ chefs to simply those who will risk it for the brisket – our-best selling 23Zero BBQ 51 Stainless Steel Firepit and BBQ is hot on the top fire pit features.

What’s your hot fire pit pick for 2025? Let us know in the comments!

The post Best Portable Fire Pits – Our Hot Picks for 2025 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep169 – Gear Up: Top 10 Best Sellers Right Now!

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:07:08 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

The gear that’s got everyone going!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren bust open the bag and let cat go rogue – revealing the top 10 best sellers that are flying off the Snowys’ shelves!

From the ever-proving-popular Hard Korr lanterns to Darche’s Cold Mountain sleeping bags that boast superior warmth for a bargain – our gear gurus decode what’s driving these camping cravings, and which products are genuinely worth the hype.

Ben and Lauren decode what’s driving the camping cravings!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:33 – Top 10 Best Sellers

02:20 – Hard Korr U-Lite Dual Colour LED Lanterns

03:57 – Rock Tamers Mud Flaps

06:00 – Oricom Wireless Reversing Camera

08:03 – Exped Mega Pump

11:28 – KickAss 12V 120Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery

14:29 – KickAss Portable Vacuum Cleaner

17:30 – Milenco Mirrors

20:52 – Muk Mats

22:21 – Exped MegaMat Max

24:45 – Darche Cold Mountain Sleeping Bags

29:48 – Other Best Sellers

32:30 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Podcasts and Blogs:

Ep145 – New Year, New Gear

Products:

Hard Korr U-Lite Dual Colour LED Lanterns 4-Pack

Darche Mini Multi LED Camp Light 3-Pack

Rock Tamers Mudflap Systems

Oricom Wireless Reversing Camera with Magnetic Base WRC001

Exped Mega Pump

KickAss 12V 120Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery

KickAss Portable Vacuum Cleaner

Milenco Mirrors

Muk Mats

Exped MegaMat Max

Darche Cold Mountain Sleeping Bags

Hex Pegs

Aqua Soft Toilet Paper 6-Pack

Joolca GottaGo Modular Separating Toilets

Gear Aid Seam Grip

Tiegear STEADFAST Guy Ropes

OZtrail Loomie Line String Lights

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep169 – Gear Up: Top 10 Best Sellers Right Now! appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep168 – Sea to Summit Sleep Mats with Ross Smith

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 22:41:26 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From sleeping rough to sleeping right, we hear from the mat masters!

Ben and Lauren roll out the welcome mat for their all-time favourite guest, Ross from Sea to Summit, to discuss the ins, outs, and updates to their sleeping mat range. Our gear gurus explore the impact of global legislation on manufacturing, unpack updates to the Ether Light series, and discover the science behind the Delta Core technology in the Pursuit range. Plus, Ross hints at some developments still on the down-low, while Lauren declares that gear aesthetics aren’t optional – they’re scientific fact!

Tune in for insider insights from the brand turning rough ground into royal slumber.

Ben and Lauren roll out the welcome mat for their all-time favourite guest, Ross from Sea to Summit.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:04 – Introducing Our All-Time Favourite: Ross from Sea to Summit!

02:12 – The Changes to Legislation and Manufacturing of Sleeping Mats

04:05 – Balancing Legislative Requirements Across the Globe

04:46 – Updates to the Sea to Summit Ether Light Series

09:47 – Durability and Reliability of a Sea to Summit Sleeping Mat

16:30 – Minimising Leaks

17:49 – Mat Insulation

21:52 – Gender-Specific Sleeping Mats Vs Bags

24:01 – R-Value

25:02 – Updates to the Sea to Summit Pursuit Self-Inflating Mats

27:32 – Delta Core Technology

29:53 – Where Does the Pursuit Sit in Sea to Summit’s Current Range?

32:13 – Pack Size

34:21 – Sea to Summit Sleep Systems: Is There a Magic Combination?

35:45 – An Ideal Sleep System for an Adelaidean

37:21 – Updates to Pillows, Accessories, and Sleep Systems

39:15 – Considering Colours

41:14 – Lauren’s Stance on Underestimating Aesthetics: ‘You Can’t, It’s Science!’

42:16 – Summary: Secrets and Exciting News?

Mentioned in this Episode:

Podcasts and Blogs:

The Sea to Summit Sleep Systems

Ep106 – Sea to Summit Tents with Ross Smith

Ep109 – Behind the Scenes with Sea to Summit

Products:

Sea to Summit Sleeping Mats

Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated Air Sleeping Mat

Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated Air Sleeping Mat

Sea to Summit Pursuit Self Inflating Mat

Sea to Summit Pursuit Plus Self Inflating Mat

Sea to Summit Reactor Liners

Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep168 – Sea to Summit Sleep Mats with Ross Smith appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Backpacks for Daytrips and Hiking: 2025 Review

Snowys Staff — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:58:04 +0000

From tearing up the tracks to strutting the tarmac – a good daypack offers durability, versatility, and clever storage. Be you a city slicker or an overnight hiker, every bag has its benefits and every brand has its blessings.

Here, we list our top ten best-selling daypacks and hiking bags for 2025, based on sales data from the past 12 months. We’ve stuffed in some new numbers too, while others you may have seen before. From compression straps and lashing loops to bladder compatibility and adequate capacity, this blog bears the load of identifying the best packs and hiking bags so you don’t have to!

Stripped of the pointless and peppered with the necessities – read on for your top ten pared-back yet jam-packed daypacks!

This blog bears the load of identifying the best packs so you don’t have to. Image: Salomon

10. Caribee Avalanche 34L Backpack

The Avalanche 34L Backpack by Caribee is your trusty sidekick for everything from weekend bush bashes to daily urban adventures!

Built tough for the rough and tumble of Australian conditions, this top-loading pack boasts a generous 34-litre capacity to handle all your gear with room to spare. Whether you’re heading off on a camping escape, smashing out a gym session, or navigating the daily commute, the padded back panel and shoulder straps keep you comfortable during those longer hauls. From the campsite to the office, its sleek design and practical features ensure you’re sorted for whatever the day throws at you.

The Caribee Avalanche 34L Backpack — your go-to gear hauler for life’s next adventure!

Built tough for the rough and tumble of Australian conditions.

9. Caribee Valhalla 26L Backpack

The Valhalla 26L Backpack by Caribee is the adventure-ready daypack that conquers both the concrete jungle and the great outdoors!

With a nifty 26-litre capacity, this pack handles everything from Monday meetings to weekend escapes; room for all your tech gear, and then some. Dual padded laptop and tablet sleeves cradle your precious electronics, while the organiser panel keeps all your smaller gadgets and gizmos where you need them. From the boardroom to the campground, its sleek design and practical features make it the standout choice for anyone who refuses to compromise.

Be you a city slicker, uni student, or weekend warrior – the Caribee Valhalla 26L Backpack has got your back!

Handling everything from Monday meetings to weekend escapes.

8. Deuter Futura 24 SL Hiking Backpack

The Futura 24 SL by Deuter is the gear carrier that delivers when day hikes get demanding!

Built specifically for smaller frames with shorter back lengths and narrower shoulders, this slimline pack pulls no punches when it comes to comfort and performance. The innovative Aircomfort back system combines padded shoulder straps, ergonomic hip fins, and a flexible steel frame with mesh ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable on those longer hauls. From rain covers to wet gear pockets, this top-loading pack is loaded with thoughtful features that handle whatever the Australian conditions throw your way.

The Deuter Futura 24 SL — where function meets comfort for those epic day-long adventures!

This pack pulls no punches when it comes to comfort and performance.

7. Deuter Speed Lite 17 Hiking Backpack

The Speed Lite 17 Hiking Backpack by Deuter is the lightweight pack for the fast-paced on the tracks!

Owing to padded shoulder straps, snug hip fins, and adjustable belts around the waist and sternum, this backpack makes light of the heavy endeavours. Take the pressure off with load adjustment straps, working with the flexible V-frame to promote the transfer of your load to the hip fins.Stash the snacks and knick-knacks across the two stretch pockets, and store the dank, damp clothing in the elasticated inner compartment. External attachment loops mean you can get a handle on your walking poles too.

The Deuter Speed Lite 17 Hiking Backpack is kick-butt baggage, without the bulk!

The lightweight pack for the fast-paced on the tracks.

6. Caribee Patriot 18L Military-Style Backpack

The Patriot 18L Daypack by Caribee is the rugged operator that carries your gear on demanding day-long expeditions!

Built tough with heavy-duty, reinforced construction that performs when the going gets rough, this pack brings field-tested reliability to your outdoor adventures. Hydration compatibility allows you to slot in a separate 2L reservoir for easy on-the-go thirst quenching, while the padded harness system, sternum chest strap, and detachable webbing hip belt keep you stable and comfortable during those longer hauls. MOLLE webbing attachment points on the front offer tactical gear mounting options, complemented by side accessory and bottle pockets for quick-access storage.

The Caribee Patriot 18L Daypack — when you need military-grade reliability for civilian adventures!

Built tough with heavy-duty, reinforced construction that performs when the going gets rough.

5. Deuter Speed Lite Pro and Pro SL Hiking Backpacks

The Speed-Lite Pro Series by Deuter doesn’t just swagger up the mountainside — it absolutely slays every summit with packs that pack tight, weigh light, and perform right when the trails get tough!

Available in regular and SL versions, these trail-blazing beauties feature Deuter’s skeleton-structured LiteAir back system for featherweight comfort that moves like you do. Built from bombproof 120D recycled polyamide with perforated shoulder straps, wet gear stash spots, and more pockets than you can poke a trekking pole at — this series owns the trails from dawn till dusk!

Packing tight, weighing light, and performing right when the trail gets tough!

4. Deuter Futura 26 Hiking Backpack

The Deuter Futura 26 Hiking Backpack is the kick-butt baggage that packs a punch on the tracks!

Owing to snug hip fins and an adjustable sternum belt, this backpack makes light of the heavy endeavours, offering comfort and efficiency in its ergonomic design. Stash the snacks and knick-knacks across the two stretch pockets, and store the dank, damp bundles in the elasticated inner compartment. External attachment loops mean you can get a handle on your walking poles too, while load adjustment straps reduce the wobble of your load. On full show is the front pocket and front zip access, and topping it off is the lid compartment for additional storage.

The backpack that makes light of the heavy endeavors.

3. Deuter Giga Urban Daypack

The Giga Urban 28L Daypack by Deuter is the everyday hero that tackles the endless hunt for a pack that’s comfortable, perfectly sized, and easy on the eyes!

Built for those who refuse to choose between style and substance, this versatile urban warrior boasts a generous 28-litre capacity that handles everything from Monday morning meetings to weekend city escapes. The padded laptop and tablet compartment keeps your tech cushioned from life’s bumps and knocks, while the internal valuables pocket ensures your important gear stays secure during transit. Stretch side pockets accommodate drink bottles and brollies for quick-access convenience, complemented by a top document compartment that keeps papers crisp and an internal organiser pocket for all your smaller essentials.

The Deuter Giga Urban 28L Daypack — where sleek meets street-smart!

Built for those who refuse to choose between style and substance.

2. Low Alpine Edge 22L Day Pack

Slay the slopes with a daypack that (back)packs a punch!

Be you an urban outfitter or an outback bucketlist ticker, the multifunctional design features a padded sleeve with hook-and-loop closure to protect a 15-inch laptop. Constructed with a PFC-free outer fabric, it features a large, easy-access main opening, a front pocket for stashing the smaller items, and a top pocket with zippered access – so there’s always backpack room on those jampacked days on the move!

Enjoy Lowe Alpine’s Air Contour breathable carry system of a structured back panel and harness yoke for optimized comfort, and keep your baggage tight and together with side compression straps. Larger stretch mesh pockets on the side hold the odds and ends, pole loops guarantee on-the-go convenience for holding your hiking poles when not in use – and this pack has every biker’s back with a reflective bike light loop too!

From the urban outfitters to the outback bucketlist tickers.

1. Low Alpine AirZone Active 26 Backpack

Taking the (forest) floor for 2025 is the AirZone Active 26L Backpack by Lowe Alpine – built for the kick-butt hikers, hit-the-road bikers, and all-round outdoor explorers!

With upper and lower side compression straps, keep your baggage tight and together, while stretch side pockets hold your drink bottles and a top pocket with secure zipper closure keeps the knick-knacks intact. Its main compartment features a zippered opening, while a front pocket holds those mid-track snacks and the TipGripper attachment point guarantees on-the-go convenience by holding your hiking poles when not in use. Owing to the internal pocket too, separate the valuables from the everyday – plus, hipbelt pockets hold the odds and ends like compasses, gloves, and other gadgets. With Lowe Alpine’s AirZone lightweight yet breathable carry system – you don’t sweat, you (g)Lowe thanks to maximised airflow! Plus, call for attention when you actually need it thanks to a light loop and a whistle on the sternum strap.

Embellished with a key clip and a rain cover for the wetter weather, the Lowe Alpine AirZone Active 26L Backpack is the pack that never backtracks!

The backpack that never backtracks!

We’ve got to mention these guys!

Caribee Moonlite Compact and Aspen Waist Bags

Not to be presumptuous… but we know what you’re thinking.

‘Is this the same bag Hermione Granger uses to pack everything but the kitchen sink? Where’s the rest of it?’

While they’re not your traditional daypacks, Caribee’s waist bags are bonafide bestsellers that master the minimalist approach with practical perfection! The slick Moonlite rocks black polyester construction with rear zip pocket and front utility sleeve, while the eye-catching Aspen brings serious style with main storage plus twin front zip pockets — both featuring adjustable webbing belts that hug you just right. Whether you’re walking the dog, playing tourist, or smashing weekend errands, these cracking bum bags let you grab your gear and bolt out the door without breaking a sweat!

Caribee’s waist bags are bonafide bestsellers that master the minimalist approach with practical perfection!

What does your ideal daypack feature?

The post Best Backpacks for Daytrips and Hiking: 2025 Review appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep167 – The HipCamp Story & 5 Hidden Camping Gems

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:46:09 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Reshaping outdoor access, one private paddock at a time…

In this episode, Ben and Lauren pull up a chair at the campsite with HipCamp’s Global Social Media Strategist, Brooke, to discuss how this clever concept is solving the camping shortage by unlocking access to private properties. Our gear gurus explore the journey from ‘YouCamp’ beginnings to navigating state regulations, booking systems, and the fine art of balancing host happiness with camper satisfaction. The conversation covers self-contained camping requirements, community reviews, and the ongoing tussle with local council red tape – plus, Brooke reveals five hidden camping gems that remain humbly off the beaten track.

Brooke reveals five hidden camping gems that remain humbly off the beaten track.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:28 – Introducing Brooke from HipCamp

03:00 – From YouCamp to HipCamp

07:10 – What Makes HipCamp Different?

08:40 – More Than Just a Camping Airbnb…

10:10 – State Rules and Regulations

11:25 – Listings

13:34 – Booking Through HipCamp

16:12 – Hosting on HipCamp: Facilities Vs Self-Contained Camping

20:40 – Reviews: Support for Hosts and Campers

29:51 – Hosting on HipCamp

30:48 – Aligning with State Rules and Regulations

39:14 – The Scenic Rim Petition

45:00 – 5 Hidden Camping Gems

49:20 – The HipCamp Social Media Community

51:14 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Podcasts and Blogs:

Ep161 – Ghost Camping Crackdown and a Camping Fee Overhaul

Other:

HipCamp

The Scenic Rim

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep167 – The HipCamp Story & 5 Hidden Camping Gems appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep166 – Is It Normal for Your Tent to Get Flooded?

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:26:57 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

That sinking feeling of a flooded tent: are they an unfortunate reality or a gear failure red flag?

Ben and Lauren drain the delusion from this soggy subject by diving into condensation versus leakage, separating the drips from deluges, and revealing which tent floor materials keep you high and dry. Plus, our gear gurus explain what happens when the weather stress-tests every stitch and seam.

Tune in for a no-nonsense guide that reassures campers their shelter should repel water – not collect it!

Tune in for a no-nonsense guide that reassures campers their shelter should repel water – not collect it!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:59 – Is It Normal for Your Tent to Get Flooded?

02:00 – Firstly – NO!

02:51 – Some Exceptions and Condensation

05:50 – Condensation Vs Leakage

09:58 – Best Types of Tent Floors

15:39 – Unprecedented Rain

16:37 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Family Camping Tents

Hiking Tents

Tarps & Matting

Podcasts and Blogs:

Ep165 – What Makes a Fabric Waterproof?

Ep9 – Dealing with Tent Condensation

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep166 – Is It Normal for Your Tent to Get Flooded? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep165 – Lightweight Rooftop Tents with Inspired Overland

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 21:09:01 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From heavyweight tradition to featherweight innovation: we meet the tent techs who have taken over!

Ben and Lauren sit down with Ferdinand and Ronnie from Inspired Overland to unpack how they’re reshaping the rooftop tent game with cutting-edge carbon fibre technology. Our gear gurus explore the journey from hobby project to global distribution, the sacrifices made to keep weight down without compromising durability, and the community-focused values that drive their product development.

The conversation covers everything from materials and manufacturing processes to consumer feedback and future innovations. Tune in for a fascinating look at how obsessing over every gram can transform your camping experience – proving that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from thinking lighter, not larger!

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from thinking lighter, not larger!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:46 – Introducing Ferdinand and Ronnie from Inspired Overland

10:17 – The Viral Video

11:44 – The Products: a Hobby Vs a Job

15:47 – Staying Loyal to Lightweightness: The Sacrifices

16:53 – From Concept to Distribution

20:20 – A Community-Focused Company

25:44 – Ferdinand’s Background

26:35 – Shout-Out to Ronnie’s Clothing Brand: Highland Trail Club!

26:55 – Materials: Talking Durability

32:30 – Innovation and Consumer Feedback

41:15 – Inspired Overland’s Global Representation

45:10 – Sponsorships and Reviews

48:05 – Other Parts and Products

50:12 – The Carbon Fibre Manufacturing Process

54:30 – The Downside of Carbon Fibre?

55:41 – The Stargazer

59:58 – The Future of Inspired Overland

1:05:00 – Less Weight, More Fun! How Weight Affects Your Camping Experience

1:09:00 – Final Words

1:11:35 – See You at the National 4X4 Outdoors Show in Sydney!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

Inspired Overland

Products:

Inspired Overland Standard Lightweight

Inspired Overland Carbonlite Rooftop Tent

Inspired Overland XL Lightweight Rooftop Tent

Other:

Highland Trail Club

National 4X4 Outdoors Show, Sydney

Transcript:

Intro

Ben 0:06
Hey folks, welcome to the next episode of the Snowy’s Camping Show. If you think you’ve tuned into the wrong show, you haven’t, and it does look different. We’ve had a last minute rush to get some guests in today, as you can see. Before we jump into who they are though, you can subscribe to our channel via YouTube via your favorite podcast app, and the conversation will continue on the Snowy’s Facebook group called Snowy’s Camping Banter. Myself and Lauren are here today, as usual, and we’re really excited to have some guests who find in from the US from a brand that we’ve been working with for six, twelve months now, maybe a little bit longer.

Ferdinand 0:39
It could be at least a year and a half, couldn’t be.

Introducing Ferdinand and Ronnie from Inspired Overland

Ben 0:42
Yeah, more than that from when we’re at Torrensville. So more than yeah. But anyway, Inspired Overland, we’ve got Ferdinand and Ronnie uh here with us today. Really excited. Yeah. Well, welcome to Australia, guys, and welcome to Snowy’s HQ. And welcome to uh remodeled studio for the first interview we’ve done with people in the actual room. So we’re all jamming in. Now, our videographer’s not quite sure how he’s going to cut this, so you might end up seeing some of the stuff that on the sides that we usually try and cut out. But uh don’t focus on the edges, just focus on the content. So anyway, welcome.

Lauren 1:13
Um guys haven’t flown in specifically for the podcast. So what are you doing here?

Ronnie 1:18
Um having a good time.

Lauren 1:20
Having a good time?

Ronnie 1:22
Yeah. Eating, uh, holiday, and obviously work, right?

Lauren 1:26
Yeah.

Ronnie 1:27
Kind of just mixing everything in between. But first and foremost, want to say thank you guys for having us on the podcast.

Ben 1:31
Oh, yeah. We’ve got the um this weekend, uh, and I think this episode will go out after the show’s been on, but uh this the Sydney 4×4 and outdoor show that is on this weekend, and where you guys have come over to be there, and we’re we’re joining a team and we’ve got a few other people joining us on the stand to showcase your range of lightweight, uh, hard shell well and tonneau top rooftop tents, which we’ve had in our range for a while. We’re really excited to have it. Um yeah, really innovative products. We were chatting in the room just before this, and really excited to be hear the background of you guys and where it all came from. So um, we hope to have one other exciting product. Maybe we’ll mention on it later at the show. Not quite gonna make it though. Uh the container’s still in the wharf or something, but uh anyone who’s at the show can ask us on the day. But anyway, firstly, a little bit, uh maybe we’ll start with you, Ferdinand, just a little bit uh about you uh and your position at Inspired Overland.

Ferdinand 2:30
So um my name is Ferdinand. Uh I am actually the founder of Inspired Overland. Uh Inspired Overland uh started as a you know, it’s still a family business. Um we we you know we own the factory, we own the brand ourselves. So uh everything that we make it’s uh basically in-house. Uh and really um what we want to do is um, you know, first started that uh, you know, uh I was a first responder for 10 years of my life. Um when I got there, I like to go camping, I like to work on the cars, and uh, you know, a lot of the stuff are so expensive and so heavy, you know. As someone that works on cars, and you know, um looking at how you know the more weight you have on top of your car doesn’t make sense. Uh how can I create something that are um affordable and also uh lightweight? So that’s kind of how Inspire Overland first started. So yeah. Yeah.

Ben 3:24
Yeah, the the innovations you were talking about next year. I’m not sure how far we can go into some of those things, all the stuff that’s going on in your head. You you say you’re like a big kid, really.

Ferdinand 3:32
Yeah, yeah, the best the best way to explain it to uh people, and by the way, this is the first, I mean other people trying to do part uh trying to do me an interview. You’re actually the first one, so this is my first time doing it. So I’m a little bit nervous, but I’ve I’ve got a couple of recasts of people. Hey, can you tell the story of uh you know how you started and how inspired, how my background basically can I bring my background and what I do to uh Inspired Overland. But yeah, one of the things that I usually explain to customers, if you, you know, if you see us in Sydney, you know, you’re more welcome, talk to me in person. You know, it’s basically I’m uh I’m a kid that like to build and work on Legos, and uh luckily, you know, our family have a factory and turn that into an actual product. Uh that that’s all it is. Uh, you know, I’m just uh my father in-law always tell me the three things that you need in life is uh artwork, luck, and timing. Yeah, and uh all uh you know it’s been aligned the way it is. So and I’m trying to bring that to uh to the people too, which is keeping um a lightweight, affordable product um you know, for the masses because uh I I’ve been there before, but I couldn’t afford uh stuff just to go out camping. And uh, like I said again, uh you know, I’m lucky enough to bring that to an actual product and why I’m charging so much money for something uh for you know you and your um kids to go out just to try it out there. And uh that’s true, is that’s why they bring that to the product, the the standard rooftop tent. Uh well in the US we we price it at $999. Um, to convert that, but uh uh uh that price will never change as long as I’m the head of the company. Yeah. Because the the true goal of the standard rooftop tent was really um for families

Ben 5:15
Accessible.

Ferdinand 5:15
Uh yeah, for accessible. Really someone just to, you know, had a Subaru or a small car just trying to go out there and enjoy uh um the outdoors and uh you know get get get something just to try it on, you know. Uh and and that that’s really the goal. I mean, uh I wouldn’t want to uh charge somebody a lot more money for the product that you know you know basically more accessible. So it’s for the masses. I mean, Ronnie liked to say, and my team would say, you know, I’m I’m for the people, but that’s uh there’s some truth to that. But again, I I I really do uh you know, uh for my background growing up, it’s that you know, if you can do something for someone and um, you know, just just make them happy. I mean, I I if I can sell the product, make someone happy, that works more to me than making money. You know, of course, as a business, you have to make money because there’s an overhead, there’s things that cost you, you know. But at the same time, again, the the standard that $999 in the US, uh, it would never change if I’m the head of the company uh because whatever it’s in tariff or whatever you want to call it, still the same. Because again, the goal has always been uh uh for the people, yeah. Because as a first responder, there’s you know, we I met a lot of first responders out there that couldn’t afford to buy things, just to have a break after their 72-hour shift, you know, three days on the on the bus or or on the rig, and you know, just want to go out and you know, buying three, four thousand dollar tens and weigh 200 pounds. Like that doesn’t make sense for someone just want to go out.

Ben 6:40
Yeah.

Lauren 6:40
And for those sort of tents, you also need a huge four wheel drive that has the right roofload capacity and GVM, and then you’ve got to pay the fuel to run that and whatever. And so your rooftop tents allow people who have a daily driver to get out and experience the same thing without having to invest.

Ferdinand 6:58
I mean, that there is an enthusiasm uh and there are offer true off-roaders that we build their cars, you know, like uh one of the people that work with with King’s Off-Road, right? They you lift up your trucks and you know, or Dobbinson, right? Full on a roof rack and everything, but the majority of the people uh they have one car.

Ben 7:17
Yeah.

Ferdinand 7:18
Uh and all they can do is um you know that one small car that do daily and also go outside. And so with our tent, you don’t really have to go get aftermarket product. You can use your OEM rack and again, again, simplicity accessible. Just go out there, you know, just want to go out there with my son or my daughter or just by myself, you know, or just hang out with a bunch of buddies during a couple of beers, you know.

Ben 7:40
That was uh when we’re talking next door, because uh what we’ve been in communication via uh you know email and online, but this is the first time we met in person. And I did feel pretty excited coming into this episode after speaking to you next door because of that connection with community. But um, we should touch on Ronnie because Ronnie’s sitting there quietly. Um so you uh apparently you’re the you’re the finance why he’s he’s the big kid. Is that how it works in the business?

Ronnie 8:01
Uh well a little bit different. Um, I mean, he’s the guy, right? He’s the guy that wears all the all the multiple hats.

Ferdinand 8:11
So I don’t like title. Um some people that do know me, they they know I’m you know the founder owner of the company, but for people they just know me as the manager. Yep. I don’t I don’t I like to put title uh,

Ben 8:23
Okay

Ferdinand 8:24
Because you know I’m like I say again, I’m I just like unless you really know me in person or you you know like talking on my team, like yeah, I I’m just I’m just a guy. I’m just gonna work in the background, you know? Yeah, and just on too much. I’m just Ferdinand, yeah.

Ben 8:40
I love it. It must be great working in the in that company. Like it must be a great uh ethos with with everyone that works.

Ronnie 8:47
It is, I mean it’s it’s I guess Ferdinand runs the business. We all run the business is like a family business, right? Um we all treat each other with respect, we all understand things have to get done within the business, so we understand that aspect. Work is work, and then we like to have fun, like you said. We like to go out with each other and go camping, take trips like this, right, with our families together.

Lauren 9:08
So, how big is your team?

Ronnie 9:10
Um total, I want to say stateside about five or six total on and off. And then of course everything else, factory-wise, about a hundred or a hundred and fifty.

Lauren 9:20
Okay, and but that takes in all of your manufacturing facilities and yeah,

Ronnie 9:24
And then our finance team, our accounting team, we have our marketing team as well. So everything’s taken into account.

Lauren 9:29
And when did you join?

Ronnie 9:31
I wanna say I’ve been in the background for a year and a half, two years, helping out with a little bit of the marketing, social media. Um and then finally came on board officially October 1st of 24.

Lauren 9:46
Okay. Yeah.

Ronnie 9:47
And so I’m in charge of I’m a director of business development for Inspired. So I’m in charge of, of course, as you know, handling uh all the dealer account network or the dealer network, the distribution network. Um yeah, and having fun.

Lauren 10:01
You said you were in the background before. Were you uh um did you use Inspired Overland products before you joined the team?

The Viral Video

Ronnie 10:08
Yes, I was uh yeah, I guess a previous customer. Yeah, previous customer, loved the products, loved the lightweight aspect of it. And I think I was was I the first one that lifted up the tent by myself.

Ferdinand 10:19
Yeah, you did. You did that. Well, you know, when everybody else was kind of copying where he literally just lifted up, put it on his GX.

Ronnie 10:27
Yeah, I remember I was like,

Ben 10:28
That was before you were,

Ronnie 10:29
Yeah, right. So I was like, hey guys, I was telling Joey and I was like, hey, record a video of me really quick. Let me just lift this up. And I’m pretty short, right? And so I’m about I don’t know what the conversion is, but I’m about like five, six, five, seven. And so I was like, grab the tent, they recorded the video, and I just threw it up on my car and and we posted it and it went viral, right? And everyone’s like, how did this small guy just pick up this tent?

Ferdinand 10:50
What’d you do with the you know pictures? Like, no, there’s lying, there’s gotta be a hook somewhere.

Ben 10:54
No, I was holding it up. There’s a photo of me holding it up, but and it and it’s 36 kilos, so it’s not that heavy to hold. But the the balance thing was hard. I had to like hold it and then that’s a little bit change just to kind of okay, there’s the odd.

Ronnie 11:06
It’s a little bit odd, yeah.

The Products: a Hobby Vs a Job

Ben 11:07
And then and and the wind’s picking up, and I’m like, all right, go now, go now, quicker. Because as soon as it started to go, it would, it was too much to kind of balance. But yeah, you can hold these tents over your head, like it’s a one-person lift when we’re talking um, you know, a 60, 80, 90, some of them are over 100 kilo rooftop tents. You guys are less than half of that, and even some of the innovations you’ve got you were talking about previously. I don’t know how much we can we can allude to there. Um, you’re still talking half the weight. Yeah, well, I’ll I’ll let you mention what you want. I know I know that there’s the Stargazer that we’re hoping to have the show. That’s out there anyway, that’s on your website. But um, yeah, we should get into the the product a little bit because the big thing is weight, right? Yeah, I mean you guys have got photos of these rooftop tens on Lamborghinis and you showed us stuff before about designing something that just is more aerodynamic, which is suiting um the smaller SV SUVs in the market. Um, but even so, the big four drives can shave 60 kilos off their rig weight with one of these on on the top. Like there’s it’s it’s really changing how you think about what you load on your rig. But um, yeah, I mean let’s start with uh where what was the first product and and where like how did that how did that start

Ferdinand 12:21
Well again, you know, started off as a um I I gotta give props to I guess the OG of the lightweight rooftop tent. It’s actually GFC Super Light. Uh they’re one of the first ones that come out with the uh super lightweight, a true super lightweight.

Ben 12:37
Is that a different brand? It’s a different brand. It’s called GFC. Okay.

Ferdinand 12:40
Um they’re they’re into campers now, but uh the main thing one of uh that they that intrigued me was that they were making uh they call it a super light, and it was it was pretty lightweight. It’s uh it’s very similar to what we’re having uh that we currently have. And uh yeah, so GFC, you know, first came out. And so it’s kind of uh triggers me. And uh, you know, how how can I make something that are also similar? And uh again, before then I already start, you know, how how can I go out? And how and then you have to make that and then uh you know, kind of focusing on on building the Inspired Overland as, again, lightweight, affordable, and functional um product, you know, for Inspired Overland. And so that’s kind of how I first started. And uh luckily again, you know, I have my engineers and my cad design team, and they basically, you know, hey, let’s let’s do something. Uh and then pushing the envelope and being lightweight. And so if you notice the the first um standard uh rooftop tender has actually gone to about four or five iterations within the first year.

Ben 13:44
Oh right.

Ferdinand 13:45
Uh again, because it it when it first came out, it’s really out there. People like it against um, you know, one thing that we like is uh we told customer, you know, when you tell us the feedback, you’re basically talking to someone that are actually designing product, have the manufacturer actually make it themselves. So you’re basically talking to someone to actually create the product itself, which is a a huge benefit for a consumer and for us. Uh basically any feedback, good or bad, it goes directly to us.

Ben 14:09
That’s that stood out to me in the conversation before you said this is a hobby for me. Yeah, like I’m I’m not all there just to sell a heap of stuff. I just and and I guess it makes sense with how uh working with you, there’s always like new ideas, or this is kind of there, but there’s not really available. You’ve always got new i new stuff in the markets, and you’re not there just to mass produce something and and sell it. You it’s it’s a hobby for you.

Ferdinand 14:30
It is. It it it is it it it it is fun, you know. It’s uh pushing the envelope and and of course there’s other product, other brands, other things out there, right? But that that’s always the way my mindset has always been how can we make it better? How can we uh make it lightweight? That’s again as it’s someone that uh, as you can mention, especially um this is what I understand. If correct me if I’m wrong, in Australia and I believe in Africa, it’s the same thing they they they weigh your car, right? Correct? They they charge. I mean, I know in Europe, you know, they they weigh your tax based off how heavy your car, right? So a lot of this stuff are are are uh uh are affecting and then and and it just worked out that way where you know, hey, let’s let’s stay lightweight, you know, there’s something simple, you know. Um if if if if a lady um you know if she wants to go out there by herself, you know, why uh why does she need a 200-pound tent? Where you know, because there’s a lot of people who tell me, hey, you know,

Lauren 15:26
Yeah, I can lift it by myself.

Staying Loyal to Lightweightness: The Sacrifices

Ferdinand 15:27
Some back problem. I have some this I just want to go out by myself, you know. I don’t I don’t I don’t I just want to go out there and and to me that that’s where the lightweight comes in. It’s always, you know, and and with the Inspired, and we we’ve got a lot of consumer. I mean, we take a lot of feedback seriously, and we know people give us feedback, hey, why don’t you make us different tent? I mean, it’s kind of what we have in line now with different test stuff. But when it first started, it’s like can you make this? You know, you know, we want more features in the tent, but then uh you would say no, because again, how does that affect in terms of the weight? At the end of the day, you’ve always always been lightweight. You have to stay true to the company, which is a lightweight product. I can add on so many different things, but if that’s not lightweight, then what’s the point of Inspired Overland? That’s the way I see it.

Lauren 16:10
You have some sacrifices, right? You just that’s just a balance that you can make.

Ben 16:14
We’ve answered so many questions based on your products that said, nah it’s a no for me, it doesn’t have this or it doesn’t have that. And you know, what it if it had that, it it would just be another Me Too product, right?

Ronnie 16:22
It’s it’s not and I think uh I think an important part of our product offerings also is just the reliability in terms of not having to have such a great impact or wear and tear on your suspension components. Yeah, because when you’re top heavy like that and you’re constantly hammering down on suspension.

Ben 16:41
Gearbox drivetrain, all of those things.

Ronnie 16:43
Everything you know is affected, right? So having something obviously a lot lighter and not being top heavy like profile, you’re kind of just you know floating over most of the bumps.

From Concept to Distribution

Lauren 16:51
And so you mentioned before that you had five different iterations when you sort of first launched it. What is your timeline from I guess concept to manufacturing and distribution? And then what’s your sort of test in in-field testing process? Like how are you how do you know if you’re gonna make a change, whether or not it’s the right change to make and if it’s per permanent and things like that?

Ferdinand 17:15
Well, so it’s it’s depending on how integrated or how um difficult the product on working on, right? Like the carbon fibre is um the advanced level that’s a little time because it is an actual carbon fibre, so it takes a little bit of time. But uh we have the true entry level product. Basically, we have two different lines, right? We have the entry level, which is the standard, the tonneau cover top, and you have the advanced level, which is the carbon fibre more intricate. So to answer we could basically it’s I would say three, six months uh when we start from a prototype to project uh to actually trying on the field, you know, my team would try it, or uh somebody else’s that uh we know would try the product right out the gate. Uh and then we just test it right away.

Ronnie 17:57
And then we just send multiple variations. And then we keep sending them out, Joey and I and everybody will test them, we’ll slam up, figure out like, okay, I don’t like how this is and I don’t like how that is. I love this part of it, right? And then we’ll just like okay, I think we’re ready to go to market.

Ferdinand 18:13
I think we’re we’re different. I mean, the there’s only certain companies out there that are actually that manufacture their own products, right.

Lauren 18:19
Yeah, yeah.

Ferdinand 18:20
To name a few is uh GFC, AluCab, um, James Baroud, right? All there’s a lot of these other companies. I mean, sorry to say that a lot of them just basically um white labeling their products, they just like the logo on it, right? Yeah. So because the difference with us when you’re talking about iteration and different stuff is because one, we actually use a product, uh, second is uh we’re just gonna consumer feedback directly, right? And third thing is by owning our own manufacturer, um you know, I can go out to talk to my cousin in law and it’s like, hey, I need this, this is this need to be done rather quickly. Uh I need this before I’m flying back to a factory and checking all this stuff. Uh that that’s the biggest thing. That’s why um, you know, we we try to kind of slow down and doing a lot of improvement all at the same time just because uh we do know people want one sort of the thing. But yeah, we we we just love improving product. I mean that here’s go back to me being a first responder, right? Um when I went to ENT and Fire Academy, one of my fire captain always tells me that uh the day that you stop learning, you should turn in your badge because you can kill somebody. Right?

Ben 19:23
Right. Yeah.

A Community-Focused Company

Ferdinand 19:25
I I basically kind of do the similar thing. I mean, it it it’s the day that I’m gonna start learning and start uh uh stop listening to people uh and or stop you know um just having that career of idea. Maybe maybe somebody else should take over because again, if you stop learning, the day you stop learning, and this day you’re gonna kill somebody. Yeah. That’s the way I I kind of approached, you know. And a lot of a lot of Inspired Overland based off me personally, uh, you know, having uh my first passion was being a first responder and uh you know helping the community helping people out. I did that for about ten years, right? And again, I lucked out and do my second thing that I’m passionate about, which is Legos and having family business and turn that into a product. So I’m kind of carrying that over to uh my I guess mindset and how I treat the community and being a public servant to the company. Yeah. Same thing. I mean, not a lot of people know this and in, you know, uh again, since the first interview happened. So before I get Ronnie on board, one of the things is, you know, he he would love to be on board with with us for for a while. And I keep telling him that, hey, you know, I don’t I don’t just hire anyone, you know, I I I look at you. I I’ve been in corporate, like I’ve been working that. I look at him as you know, as a human being. I he has family, like I’m I’m responsible for you, your wife and kids, and and whatever it is that you do. That’s why you know when you’re first trying to get on board, it’s like, oh, you know, kinda I like you to be in my team, but I you know, I have to I’m responsible, not just um you know, the company, I’m responsible for you.

Ben 20:59
Yeah.

Ferdinand 21:00
Uh and again, you know, that mindset of carrying people looking at him as a human being, not uh numbers, the same thing with the product again, you know, like that. Not at a price for the community would never change, you know.

Ben 21:11
Yeah.

Ferdinand 21:12
And yeah, just just my passion about helping people. I mean, I s I you know, I I just love being helping people out, you know. He’s the guy that count the finances and he’s gonna hey, you need to stop doing uh a giveaway or a support, you know, you gotta look at the event, you know. This one we’re one of the probably the only company at doing a lot of giveaways and supporting charities. I mean, yeah, one of the first one uh company um event that we got invited was Rodeo n Rigs. Uh it’s a small uh what’s say it’s like a community base in LA. Uh it’s by Jason. He’s actually in his, I believe, third remission of Cancer. He just got another one. But he’s uh one of the ones that you know uh kind of invited me and Inspired Overland. Like, hey, you know, let’s let’s do a gift way of a product and And uh it’s now it’s kind of trickled down to other events. Like we we probably one of the only ones that do give away to a lot of charity and different projects. Uh like Cal 4 Wheels in California. It’s a lot of uh they they work with conservators, uh, helping the open up the um select the landfill for you to go off-road and stuff. So we actually starting off this year’s sponsoring uh all the events this year doing giveaway of tents. Uh with Rodeo n Rigs, we basically have understanding and commitment, as long as you’re open, uh, you know, whatever how many years, we’ll be giving away tents for your events because it is for community, it is for charity.

Ronnie 22:36
Yeah, and this there’s a big one too that like uh it’s called Pure Four By Four First Fridays, and so they hold an event every Friday for the community and stuff like that. And we also give away tents every single first Friday of the month, you know, just to get people into the community and just be a part of the community.

Ben 22:55
I think I’ve I’ve known you guys in person, and I’ll probably speak for both of us for about two hours now, but clearly it’s not just a business, it’s a whole community and a passion and a hobby, and there’s a lot of layers to Inspired Overland that I didn’t realize was there uh until now. So it’s it’s really refreshing. It’s so refreshing to speak.

Ronnie 23:12
I think it’s I think we genuinely, sorry to cut you off, we genuinely really enjoy people. I think that’s one of the things, you know, that you don’t find a lot of other companies, right?

Ben 23:22
I think it’s reflected in your products too, because you uh we’ll talk about the Stargazers, it’s a clear top on it. Like it’s I think you said you wouldn’t weren’t necessarily the first to the market, but it’s so innovative and new, and it’s not it’s not a me too product. You’re not just going, oh we know that, so as you’re gonna it seems like you just go, that’s pretty cool. Let’s make some of them. Yeah, yeah, and and just talk to people about it and hear what they say, and then I’m assuming modify it and just keep keep doing what the community wants. Yeah. I mean there’s such a cool process.

Ferdinand 23:50
You know, you community is the biggest thing, right? I mean, the the this this only sort of thing that myself and my team can think of a product or uh make something out of, right? Uh the community is the biggest one. The feedback, the the the thing that you know, the crazier the ideas that you have, you tell me, I can try to turn that into an actual product, right? I don’t think that’s that’s stay true, you know. It’s like there’s thousands of people out there that have thousands of ideas. And then you know someone always tell me once before it, you know, you can make as much money as you can, but how you make people feel different, those are gonna stay with them and yeah, other than any money you can make, you know. Um money and running business is it it’s gotta be there. I mean, you know, I have to have an overhead, I gotta pay, but yeah at the end of the day, you know, we we love to give back. It’s because um my background is first under, you know. I’ve been there, I’ve seen how hard it is, I’ve been to disasters. Uh that’s one of the things that uh, you know, there’s recent like LA fire disaster and there’s North Carolina and hurricane and slide, and someone contacting us, uh, you know, it it’s no question right away, like what tents, whatever we can get you, we’ll send that out. I mean, it’s it’s it’s just not it’s not second guessing there’s no, you know, um, because I’ve been there. I I you know been as a first responder, respond to the situation. I slept on the ground, you know. Some people just need something to sleep on in after a hurricane and devastated the whole place or a fire, just roll out your whole neighborhood, you know. And then so really um, yeah, I I I I enjoy doing this. It’s not uh yeah, like I say, money is money, but uh it’s it’s just a hobby, it’s just something fun, and I can relate to the people and connect it, you know. Yeah, yeah.

Ferdinand’s Background

Ben 25:43
Your your background, you didn’t you weren’t born in America, were you? Yeah, you you were like tell us a little bit about your background.

Ferdinand 25:49
Yeah, so so I was um I was an immigrant. I was actually um uh from Indonesia. Uh my parents moved to the US about 2001, 2002. So I was about uh I would say six, seven grade. Uh so yeah, my parents moved to the US. Um and yeah, I mean it it’s also being an immigrant, you learn how to survive in a new country, learning the language, and you know, just trying to blend in and uh yeah, um, I think that’s that’s you know, I uh I can definitely relate to the uh comedian and then the hardship and we’ll bend throughout there.

Ben 26:29
Uh that’s cool. Yeah. And you are you’re American from the get go.

Shout-Out to Ronnie’s Clothing Brand: Highland Trail Club!

Ronnie 26:34
Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Born and raised.

Ben 26:35
Nice. Did you want to do a little shout out to your uh clothing brand? Oh yeah. So he’s wearing a hat.

Ronnie 26:41
Yeah, so it’s Highland Trail Club. Um you can find us at Highlandtrailclub.com.

Ben 26:46
In in the US.

Ronnie 26:47
In the US, yeah, yeah. But we I mean we ship it here. Yeah, yeah. It could be ship all over.

Ben 26:51
We’ll have to we’ll have that conversation. They’re pretty cool.

Materials: Talking Durability

Lauren 26:54
Now, can I um I want to ask a question about sort of like your materials and things like that? Because one of the main things, I guess, when people see the Inspired Overland tents, especially your standard and your XL, is a tonneau cover. And there’s no other brand that we have in Australia that does that as a tonneau cover. And so obviously it’s a soft material. Um, and I think sort of fairly people do raise questions about durability because it is such a new material for that type of tent. So, can you speak to your choices with using that tonneau cover and what you’ve seen over, you know, the the long-term usage with those tents?

Ferdinand 27:32
Yeah, so um one of the uh key things that we use in our product, we call it a hybrid, right? Like you said, the hybrid for mattress hybrids. So the uh the standard and XL is technically not really a soft or hard cover, it’s actually a hybrid, right? Because it’s it’s a basically a tunnel cover, vinyl cover on top with aluminum on the inside, right? So the best way to explain it is basically um a truck bed cover. That’s that’s what that is. And so a truck bed cover been used for years.

Ben 27:59
Yeah, I use it with the we call it Ute, right? But yeah, the Ute covers the with the elastic sides on it, it’s the same material.

Ferdinand 28:06
Right. And then all you need to do is uh do like a vinyl 303 spray and to kind of coat it and then it’ll last you for a very long time. Yeah, that’s exactly what we use for the product. Um, just because we know that it’s been tested for years already by people that have a truck. Uh, and by doing that, it’s making it lightweight. That’s pretty much kind of like for start is half the weight, just being being able to change the top uh to using the the hybrid uh material, just tonneau cover.

Ronnie 28:36
And it’s weatherproof, right?

Ferdinand 28:38
And it’s weatherproof. Yeah, it’s proven here. It’s waterproof, yeah. It’s waterproof. It’s uh you can take it a lot of places, you know. It’s uh and also uh it’s very durable. I mean, it’s been proven. I mean, if you have a truck and you have a tonneau of cover, it’s basically what that is.

Ben 28:53
Yeah, I mean, even hardcover rooftop tents wear out over time, right? UV just eventually um yeah, gets to everything. Um, and then you’ve got the bedding, the the base of it is is different with the you’ve got slats and then like a dense, I think it’s an um expanded polyethylene foam and then another mat to to save weight there. So just a totally different uh the the things people question, I suppose, go it doesn’t look very comfortable. But I’ve laid in it and like if you’re sitting up, you can feel it, but you’re not you you lie down when you sleep, right? So and and it just evens out and it’s perfectly comfortable.

Ferdinand 29:27
Yeah, again, it’s um it’s really different iterations, and we try to get as much feedback as we can how we can save weight at the same time. You know, how can we uh accommodate uh you know different people with different views? And so what that’s where the hybrid foam mattress basically comes in, right? Uh with the standard tent, we want to be um again, the the idea of standard tent is to be as lightweight as possible and have the biggest view as you can. Uh, and so you know, you get the just regular foam mattress, not really nothing fancy. Uh you know, just for people to go out there. And so the (inelegible) being uh with the carbon fibre, you have all the hybrid mattress, different materials. So what we’re trying to do is we, you know, how can we bring some of this down from more our advanced product to the what we call the entry level? Uh, but we don’t want to add these on directly to the product and raise the price for the consumer because we do not uh some people you know that are experienced that go outdoors and stuff, you already have your own setup, right? Okay, why are we forcing someone to buy uh and uh up the price if if you already have your own setup, right? For some people, they are fine with whatever comes up with the standard mattress because they already have the other stuff that they uh they use before. But if you want to upgrade, then hey, we do have some stuff that are trickling down from the advanced level. Uh they can buy us a la carte like the hybrid foam mattress to the tent, uh, you know, and and make it more comfortable. Yeah, okay. Um but in terms of the slats-wise, um, you know, uh again, uh the new development, like you just talked uh a few hours ago, is that you know, we’re making basically common fibre with the the honeycomb bottom. That’s kind of the next level that we’re trying to do. But of course, that’s more the advanced product, right? But again, we never know how uh if you never push the boundaries or you never try something uh out there, you will never know what you’re gonna get, right? I mean, if you just stick with the rules, right? It’s kind of like how, you know, um like Tesla’s when they first come out, like Apple, they’re pushing the boundaries, right? And then uh simple as it’s like iPhone. I mean, you have the the 16 Pro Max, but then you also have the iPhone Light or whatever you want to call it, right? Yeah, that that is one for everyone.

Lauren 31:42
We do Pixels, guys.

Innovation and Consumer Feedback

Ferdinand 31:43
Okay, Pixels. The way I see it, the the line has always been um you need to cater to the 99% of the market, which is that’s what the entry level, the the Standard, XL’s the the the new one is gonna come out, the Trail peak, right? Yeah, so for the 99% of the people that we need. Uh someone just wanna go out there, get the products, but then there’s also the the two, three uh percentage that know what they want, and or you know, they want more advanced product. That’s when the cover fibre comes in. So really you want to hit up all the markets. You do want the 99%, but you also want the two, three percent that are uh that are willing to spend the money and that are you know, hey, know what they want because they’ve been using it for what they’ve tried different tents. And uh yeah.

Ben 32:31
Can we let’s while we’re on that path, you’ve mentioned a few new products and stuff there. Let’s uh let’s talk about the innovation because there’s you say you don’t sleep, you just power map and you and you call these guys at all sorts of random hours because you just get ideas come into your head.

Ronnie 32:45
Uh it can be any time of the day or night. If I shoot him a text, you can always count on him to respond within the first 45 seconds.

Ben 32:54
Right, okay. You’re just flicking through your phone when we were speaking before, and you’re just you’re just pulling up photos going, oh, there’s this, and then oh, there’s this too. And you’re just flicking through your camera or bringing up all these cool different ideas. But so we talked about the Hybrid foam, that’s not a new one. We’re actually getting those in our next shipment, which should be arriving any any day now. That’s a self-inflating mat for those who haven’t seen it yet. That’s an upgrade to the existing mats.

Lauren 33:16
Can I hang on, can I stop? I want to interrupt there if that’s okay, Benji. Sorry. Because one of the main things that we have with our customers as well is that majority of self-inflating mattress brands, they don’t actually support self-inflating mats being kept in rooftop tents. Like use them in the rooftop tent, but take them out in between your trips and things. Um, primarily that comes down to um the the really large variance in temperature, especially in Australia, that rooftop tents are subject to and the effect of the bonding and the between the foam and the materials and things. But noting that your rooftop tent, your carbon one, comes with that self-inflating mat. So do you guys just confirming you guys have no issues with having those mats in the rooftop tent all the time?

Ronnie 33:59
Yeah, what we what we suggest though, if it’s in there that it’s fully deflated. Um, but as far as like the heat and what have you, it’s it’s fine.

Lauren 34:08
Yeah, cool.

Ronnie 34:09
Yeah. I mean, I know your guys’ heat is a little bit a little bit different. A little bit different than ours, right? But I mean we’re we’re pretty close in some some areas, you know, where like the 112, 115 range, which is I don’t know what that means.

Ben 34:22
That’s what about 40, isn’t it? Yeah, yeah. Up about 20, yeah.

Ferdinand 34:26
40 something.

Lauren 34:27
Yeah, yeah. Yeah.

Ferdinand 34:28
So I mean again, this is uh, you know, talking about the new products and different iterations.

Ben 34:39
Yeah, it’s it’s endless. Yeah, it’s a lot of things.

Ferdinand 34:42
Again, it’s it’s really, I mean, that’s why we, you know, we when we talk to consumers, we always thank them for their support, thank you for that time and giving them you know the feedback because all these ideas come in uh from the consumer, right? Uh Stargazer happened because we made the Carbon lite, and people say, hey, I kind of want to leave the bedding in there a little bit more, you know, I kind of want to give up more rooms and kind of look at the stars in the sky, right? So that’s that’s kind of again um just the ideas and the feedback from the consumer. Uh, you know, we are always trying to improve our product. Uh again, it’s that’s because we are the direct manufacturer, we make the product ourselves. Uh, you know, the there’s a few things that are mass-produced, so you know, we just bought that. But for (inelegible), people look at it that there’s no carbon fibre tent out there like ours, basically, right? Yep. Um and so again, it’s really, you know, you always tell the consumer we buy a product, you know. Please uh tell us the feedback, good or bad, regardless, whatever it is, you know, because that’s the only way we can improve. And I feel like a lot of with the especially after COVID, um we’re gone to technology too much that we don’t really interact with people anymore. And so I think that’s that’s that’s what it lost, right? To to really uh talking to a manufacturer, a company, you know, with an actual person responding to you instead of an AI, right? I mean, you can you can still, I mean, consumers still can reach me. Um, I’m the owner of the company, you can still reach me in person. Okay, that’s that’s kind of rare to have uh, you know, um, and of course, you know, with the help of my team, you know, Ronnie, Joey, you know, Ethan Annie, that kind of helps to low down the low to me because I’m I’m more focusing on uh really uh pushing that product and pushing that invention out there, right? But hey, consumers still can email me and call me and talk to me and that’s you know, just just to chat and and and then you know, I and again I appreciate all the feedbacks because that’s as someone that actually designed a product, make the product, that’s huge. I mean that there’s only one brain. Yeah, if I have 10, you know, in this room that’s three different brains and tell me all this feedback, you know, good or bad, that that makes me think, okay, how can I do what you just requested or what she requested, what he requested, and how can I make this to a product? I mean, it’s it’s all it’s all it is, you know. You’re the consumer is always consumer the consumer always have um, you know, I would say, you know, you have to be able to listen to consumer. Yeah, I think that’s that’s what’s missing with a lot of these things. You know, they just I make product and just sell it and make money out of it. Yeah. But then again, I’m I’m doing this because I it’s my hobby. I I love doing this, and I like to talking to people and and understanding what their needs and yeah, what have you. I mean one of the stories that I have is uh there’s a lady can’t remember her name right now. I believe she’s in Colorado, and one of the things um she has a little bit of a back or um problem with she can’t really lift up her arm, right? And so our time was the only one that lightweight and works for her Tacoma or here you have the Hilux, which I’m very jealous by the way. You don’t get Hilux in the US.

Ronnie 37:53
You guys yeah, you guys got all the cool cars.

Lauren 37:55
We have the co cars, yeah, we do.

Ferdinand 37:57
So yeah, see, see bartan because oh man, this is amazing. Like I can go out by myself, you know. I have a little bit of uh disability, and uh man, I I love your product, you know. And again, that alone is makes me happy because I I actually created something that can help somebody out, you know. That’s awesome. Uh another story was um, I believe he was in Missouri. I met I met a firefighter. Uh his son was uh he was uh I believe a fire captain, his son was trying to be fireman too, and again, uh he couldn’t afford uh expensive product heavy. And we just kind of relate, and then when we start talking, it’s like, oh, like you were a like, yeah, uh you know, I was the first one, you know, this is how it first started. And um, you know, we we actually worked out where you know he ended up picking up our tent and uh I don’t even knew. We we actually I believe we refunded him uh um just because you know um again um I can relate to what he’d been through. Yeah. Not being able to afford product out there, uh, you know, and trying to go out and and just you know you’re an assistant. You can make something care of people.

Ben 39:10
Yeah, it’s just so engrained. I can yeah, I just pick up the yeah, this connection you’ve got with people is is amazing.

Ferdinand 39:17
Yeah, I mean if you if you can make something good and um do it for the masses, why are you holding it for yourself? Right? That that’s the way I see it. Like why of course you gotta make money. That’s a business. I have family to feed, why I have you know, why enjoy you have the factory workers too? Hey, but at the same time, again, why why am I charging someone three thousand dollars when based in the US, right? $3,000 when the product doesn’t we cost that much and and it really helped the people out. If you’re a single parent, you just want to go out with your kid, you’re already having a hard time buying milk and eggs. Yeah, why am I charging you three thousand dollars just for you to go outdoors, right? Yeah, it doesn’t make sense. My brain just tells me it doesn’t make sense. Yeah, if you if you can afford it and there’s then I thought yeah, you can buy the advanced, you can buy the comfort fire, right? You you know, there’s people out there. But again, um I don’t know. I I I just love I guess my background being an immigrant and see my parents come in here and then and really, you know, work and and trying to put food on the table and then me as versus responder and then you know um seeing it as a public servant helping people out, it’s kind of stay true to record the company. And then that’s why, you know, we don’t just hire anyone within our company, you have to gel with us and you have to make sure that you know that that stay true. Yeah, um, you know, again, it’s it’s it’s uh I don’t look at you as a number, I look at you as a part of the family, and that’s why we tell people you’re part of the Inspired Overland family, and then because it is it is true, like we we we care you, and then there’s no other company either that if you have a damaged tent and we’ll replace you with a new tent right away. Uh that there’s no other company that does that. We yeah, uh you could tell them at the end, the different issue. Yeah,

Ben 41:08
Yeah, such a good ethos.

Ferdinand 41:10
Yeah.

Inspired Overland’s Global Representation

Lauren 41:10
Um Ronnie, can I ask you? Sorry, Benji. Um, you business sales um uh spoke to a lot of customers when we first got Inspired Overland who were really excited because they already had Inspired Overland and they’d come to you guys directly in the US and got it sent to Australia because they couldn’t get it here. Do you what’s your representation globally? Like we’re obviously distributing in Australia. Do you have other distributors in other countries around the world or do you ship around the world? Can you tell us a bit more about that?

Ronnie 41:37
So we have a few. Um, we have a few new ones that are coming out. Can’t really mention it yet because of obviously contracts and what have you, but we’re globally, I would say yes, we’re in a lot of places.

Lauren 41:50
Have you have you? I know that’s kind of I know that’s kind of like uh thanks for that. You’re really in-depth answer. No, but I mean, have you found um I know you’ve mentioned that you’ve not been with the company very long in your current capacity, but the timeline for Inspired Overland in terms of when you started versus now and growth, especially into other countries. Can you speak a little bit more about that and potentially what what’s behind potentially that um increase in distribution?

Ronnie 42:18
Yeah, it’s it’s well, first and foremost, it’s been incredible, right? Um the growth from when I started or when the company started to when I started into now has been an incredible journey.

Lauren 42:29
Yeah.

Ronnie 42:30
Um like Ferdinand said, it’s timing, luck, and hard work, right? It’s the three that have really pushed as far as as as a team and being able to have him take meetings because he’s he never sleeps. And I’m like, hey, I need this meeting. I need I need you to take this meeting because I’m I’m dead. It’s not gonna be for you know, it’s gonna be for the Middle East. I can’t say which countries, but yeah, yeah. And he’s like, I’ll take it. Right. And so we have, of course, as you guys know, Canada, it’s already out there. We have you guys in Australia. Um and we’re just sort of venturing out slowly, not slowly, but I should say rapidly. Yeah. I say slowly because I’m always I’m always the one that wants to keep pushing and pushing and pushing. And I’m just I’m the one that’s you know hammering calls.

Lauren 43:17
Yeah.

Ronnie 43:17
You know.

Lauren 43:18
So Are you do you have um targeted marketing strategies in other countries or is it organic?

Ronnie 43:24
It’s uh it’s half and half.

Lauren 43:26
Okay.

Ronnie 43:26
Yeah. Um, I’ll scour the internet and be like, oh, this company looks pretty cool. You know, I wonder if I wonder if they have a presence, you know, and I’ll do a little bit of digging, do a little research, and I’ll just I’ll personally call them on my cell phone. And I’ll tell them, Hey, this is my cell phone number. I want to let you know I’m reaching out, you know, see if we can work with you guys.

Ferdinand 43:46
Yeah.

Ronnie 43:47
My my whole thing is like I look at a company and if I really enjoy who the people are behind it, I’d love to work with you. If I love that vibe, if I’m getting a vibe from you, I’m like, dude, let’s Let’s have fun. You know, first off, let’s have fun. You know, yeah. Like I come from a very corporate I came from commercially equipment finance. And I was a VP of sales at multiple companies and I did that for the last 15, 16 years. Yeah. And so yeah. And so to me, like he was like, hey, I want you on board. I quit. Yeah, yeah. I don’t want to do banking anymore. I don’t, I’m done. Yeah. I quit, you know. And so that’s cool. Yeah, it’s been really fun.

Lauren 44:34
I’ve noticed um there’s quite a few Inspired Overland Subreddits and things like forums are online. Are they things that your customers have generated themselves or do you plant the seed for those forums?

Ronnie 44:45
Oh no, they they generate ourselves. Yeah. I’m I’m like not on that side of things. I don’t like looking at it, you know. And so they always bring it up like, dude, check out this. Have you seen this Reddit? Yeah. You know, have you seen this YouTube review? I’m like, no, send it over.

Lauren 44:58
Yeah.

Ronnie 44:59
And I’ll look at it for like a solid 45 second. That’s pretty cool.

Lauren 45:02
Yeah, yeah.

Sponsorships and Reviews

Ferdinand 45:03
Continue on that. And you know, um, but we we don’t do retention, right? So that I don’t know if you guys know what I mean. It’s uh we pay someone to run our product. Yep. And then we give you the uh the reviews and everything, right? We don’t do that. We don’t do contracts when we sponsor it’s genuinely if we really like you and you vibe with us, and yeah, you actually show up and you come talk to us and just you know, just chilling with us, then you know it it works. Like uh it’s more genuine, isn’t it? Yeah, a lot of our photos in Instagram and reviews, everything, it’s really genuine reviews. It’s people are willing to giving us photos and reviews, and again, it’s because we’re probably one of the only ones that don’t do contract when we do like even you know just a sponsorship adopting just because you know um we think your your car is cool or you know we’re connected somehow, whatever that is, right? Uh we don’t do retention. So if the first thing you ask us or my team is like, hey you know how you know we need you to pay some. So our money’s like, nope, that’s out of the question. Because this taking the true review out of it. Okay, we’re we’re open. Good or bad of the product, you have to tell us. That’s the only way we can improve. Yeah, we’re probably the only company don’t that don’t do retention because there is no point of doing retention. That’s that’s that’s like you’re paying someone to give me a four-star, right?

Ben 46:22
That’s influencer marketing, right? Here’s a free product, so you just say good things about it regardless. Yeah, yeah. We’re we’re we’re the same. Videos we know the same. If we kind of say good things about the product, we just won’t do the video. Yeah.

Ferdinand 46:34
So like your the count of your Instagram followers doesn’t really matter to us. You can have as low as five, but you if you actually enjoy the product, yeah, that would be more uh feedback for us than anything else.

Ben 46:50
Five good quality followers to 50,000.

Ferdinand 46:53
50,000 paid or whatever you want to call it. So again, we uh people are shocked when we when you know before they were really on board and people just talk to me directly, you know, you know, I have this like a first like like you know, if you meet us, come us at a show and whatever you talk to us and you’re cool, then you know, hey, I I I I I would offer you a sponsorship, like you know, yeah uh like I told people like you know um like I say those those numbers don’t matter to us and we don’t do retention. Just let me get clear out there because we do I mean the way the brand grows, we do we get a lot of those people asking, it’s like my team already knows that that’s straight up no because we don’t that’s this is honest to the consumer too. And this is honest to us as some of the actual descendant product. I want your feedback. Yeah, that’s the only way, yeah.

Other Parts and Products

Ben 47:39
Yeah, yeah, yeah. It’s the only way to move forward as well. Yeah, yeah. Um, I want to ask about um see expanding um uh uh rapidly, but on your website, and you’re a uh maybe both of you, I know you’re a cars guy. I know you’re talking about a new product innovation before you were talking about something vortex or something on the top to break off and you’re just like a racing wing on a on a car, like you had all these relations to uh to racing cars. Um but on your website you’ve got there’s some like suspension parts and a few other things. Is that just kind of one of those ideas you had overnight and then you made it? And then or or is that a is that a big part of your business as well? Because we only have the rooftop tents here at the moment and maybe a few other fringe items that we’re we’re talking about. But yeah, how far does the range expand?

Ferdinand 48:23
Um the range is it’s pretty big. So so we’re our factory is based off aluminium and now it’s uh carbon fibre. So we we can do a lot of different things and make different things. Uh and uh but yeah, but but we’re right now we’re we’re really focusing on more of the really uh we picked the outdoors and and then the rooftop tents. Those are really our main focus just because um you know the the more you split up of different products, the um the harder it is for you to focusing on and improving. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But but we another new product we’re coming out, it’s basically uh cargo box, uh, which is uh carbon fibre cargo box.

Ben 49:01
Okay.

Ferdinand 49:02
Uh those are uh things are very cool because no one really done a carbon fibre uh cargo boxes out there. Uh and for you know the sports cars and everything with the forged carbon, I think that looks uh pretty cool. Uh and in terms of the vortex more things, you know, the uh I always have an idea how can I improve my miles per gallon of my car, my EV range, right? And so one of the ideas is like, hey, you know what? Can we bring some of the wings from like a Porsche and different design of the Vortex and making an actual tent? And uh I’m definitely excited. It’s kind of my long-term project that I just like say had to find. I mean, I don’t know if it’s gonna be an actual uh uh product that we sell or just maybe just a,

Lauren 49:38
Is it gonna whistle as well?

Ferdinand 49:43
But uh you know, like if you guys ever want one or you know, just just really make it for something fun, you know, because you know we make a prototype, we come out with three, four different ones and that we try and do uh go out there and just talking different colours and stuff as well. Yeah, we can do different colours that will improve with the Vortex file. You can improve your miles per gallon and EV range and,

Ben 50:02
Reds reds faster, so if you get a red one, so yeah,

Ferdinand 50:06
Careful with the uh with the cars out there, don’t they do the red?

The Carbon Fibre Manufacturing Process

Ben 50:11
So you own your own factories, um, and uh our boss went and caught up with you guys uh and saw the factories, and they were talking about some submarine shaped things to do with carbon fibre manufacturing. And can you elaborate on that? Because I’m really curious on how the whole carbon fibre manufacturing process works and how these submarine things fit into the whole story.

Ferdinand 50:32
A lot of carbon fibre product, we we lay them down, we kind of mold them, right? And we put them in a what they call it, like the pressure cooker. That’s what that is. Okay, and then you pressure in and then they’re becoming a hard uh carbon fibre product. Right. So um we started with the small one because that’s with the first one there. Uh we basically invented back to the factory, you know, we gotta start something small, and then it goes to a like a giant uh mid-sized submarine, and that’s gonna be another bigger one, right? It’s it’s dependent on the size of uh the carbon fibre mold that you were trying to make. Gotcha. Uh, because those are laid on by hand and make them and then basically put them in like a pressure cooker and make them into um a product.

Ben 51:11
Gotcha. Okay. So basically, if it’s a bigger carbon fibre product, you just need a bigger pressure cooker. So that goes in as the shape. So your carbon fibre tents apart, so that you’ve got the the the top panel and then the the rails, so they go in and uh for shaped and then pressure cooked.

Ferdinand 51:28
So the there is a lot of uh so that’s a different thing. That that that’s some of the layer, right? For the the the um the uh just lost uh like the the slats and everything and and then the the frame. Uh those are have some uh a couple of secret ingredients in there that we can’t tell you. But that’s basically you kind of mold it into like a smaller pressure cooker. It’s like uh a bunch of different slats, you put it in the presser and then press down, and you basically build up the secret ingredient in there and then become um you know the product.

Ronnie 51:56
It’s like a vacuum as well, right?

Ferdinand 51:57
So like a vacuum as well. Okay. So we do have a bunch of different machines. Uh the one that Laine is talking about, it’s basically more like the bigger product, the one you’re laying down. But for the slats and the carbon fibre uh outer, uh is in the true carbon fibre with the secret ingredients on the inside, and it’s basically molded to uh product, yeah, like a vacuum.

Ben 52:17
So the the hinge, so the star gaze has got it is actually a different design than the three we’ve got on our website at the moment. It’s got an X hinge, you call it. So it lifts up to give that extra foot space, which is one thing that the tall people have said, I can’t fit my feet. In the end, this solves that solution. But that’s carbon fibre as well, right?

Ferdinand 52:35
Yeah, so a lot of product, it’s uh people think it’s uh because we used to have uh carbon fibre coating, right? Just a layer. But until you actually see our product actually touch it, people’s like, oh, it’s an actual carbon fibre. It’s like, yeah, it’s it’s uh it’s not a gimmick, it’s not uh like a layover, it’s an actual so none of it’s a coating, it’s all yeah, it’s all true carbon fibre. Yeah, yeah. We make uh yeah, it’s a it’s a real carbon fibre, yeah.

Ben 52:59
So the the um Carbon lite has an aluminium and carbon composite um construction. Is the but why not carbon fibre frame around the top? Is that a strength thing or is that a cost thing?

Ferdinand 53:11
Um I think you’ll see it on the uh it’s more for um you’ll see in the Star gazer. The Star gazer bottom is actually full on carbon fibre. The frame now it’s a full-on carbon fibre.

Ben 53:21
Right.

Ferdinand 53:22
Uh, but the top is still aluminium uh because uh, you know, it just the way when we put the um lid on either the carbon fibre or the the clear acrylic glass, uh, you know, you have something to hold on. So, you know, uh we still use aluminum for the top. But who knows? I mean, we might be able to figure out another stuff, and it’ll be really 100% full on carbon fibre. Yeah. Which actually we we did um when we did a CEMA uh last year, uh one of the Porsche 997 has a basically a single person uh full carbon fibre tent. The top and the bottom and actually a full on carbon fibre. Wow. Uh again, it’s but that’s just like one off prototype that, you know, where we’re just having fun making it. Yeah. How can we be different? Uh again. Yeah,

Ronnie 54:09
It’s still a lot of testing for testing products. You know, I think I think one thing is like the when you’re out there, I think having a whole carbon fibre frame that we haven’t obviously like we haven’t tested it. And so if you do hit trees or branches, we don’t know how it’s gonna hold up.

The Downside of Carbon Fibre?

Ben 54:27
Yeah, is it not is that is that the downside with carbon fibre? Like it’s strong, but is it is more is it more brittle? Is that what’s if it gets hit, it can crack easier rather than dent? Like what’s what’s the downside, I suppose, of course. What’s the fibre there?

Ferdinand 54:41
Without our circuiting it in, it’s actually it’s a it’s a full on seal on the inside. So it’s it’s it’s like the filament, yeah. Yeah, it’s it’s a it it’s we are actually able to figure out how it makes it as strong so it’s not as easy to crack or break.

Ben 54:55
Okay.

Ferdinand 54:56
Um you know, right understanding for rest cars like dumping a BMW on the roof of the car, it’s a full-on cover problem. You can’t really put weight on top, right? Because it’s a one-layer piece of the us with the molding and how it’s set up. You can actually, I mean, I’ve I’ve I actually took it to King of Hammers and really jumping. I don’t know if you King of Hammers is uh basically when people go up crazy up the Johnson Valley, going out in the desert and just mobbing in a car and driving fast and rock crawling. So I actually took my uh GX there and just following a Can am with the carbon fibre tent on top and really, we were doing jumping. We had three people in the car, we were flying off inside the car. And the tent is fine, yeah, it’s it’s there again. So yeah, we we we actually tested and try our product out there and yeah, that’s cool.

The Stargazer

Ben 55:39
Yeah, that one person I know Star gazer. I was gonna say the solo. Is that is that um is there a market for that? Because I I’ve always thought yeah for myself, like one person would be cool because you’ve got I can’t take surfboards and stuff. Yeah, uh, one person on one side and you’ve got room for your surfboard or something on the other. Yeah, so it’s it seems like is there a market for it? Do you get a little bit more?

Ferdinand 55:58
No, that there’s a market for that. Yeah, we we have we sold uh those two and then pre-order it again. Those ideas actually come in from um a couple people that uh cycle, right? Because bicycle is a very expensive carbon fibre one, right? And you don’t just want to leave it in a car and get stolen. And so they’re like, hey, why don’t you make a solo tent? And so we actually have one that are with tonneau of cover, but then I was like, oh you know, that’s just tonneau cover, let’s do something cool. And that’s where the solo Stargazer came in, and people actually love it because it it’s a whole different design, and then it’s you know it’s it’s pretty cool. And you say you can put stuff on top uh next to um whatever you have out there, like you know, bicycle or uh surfboard.

Ronnie 56:40
It’s for the adventurer. For the adventurer, yeah. The solo single nomad that just goes by him or herself, right?

Ferdinand 56:46
Or or if you just want to snuggle a little closer.

Ben 56:50
Really tight quarters. Another question on the Stargazer, and I think there’s um a vehicle sports vehicle related answer to this. I remember looking at it last week, but I can’t remember. I’ve forgotten what I researched. Anyway, um, the clear top, I reckon the first thing people always go is oh, it’s just gonna get scratched up and won’t look very good over time. But I think there’s you’ve actually put something like a vehicle wrap type thing over the top of that to to stop that from happening.

Ferdinand 57:16
So so we use a PPF cover on top and we put ceramic coating on the inside so that holds covering just like a PPF cover on your car. And inside we use the same thing like for your windows ,

Ronnie 57:26
A clear ceramic film, yeah, yeah, uh UV rejection as well to obviously reject the heat.

Ben 57:32
Right.

Ronnie 57:32
So during the day you can just slide it down and still be in direct sunlight, and it won’t be as hot.

Lauren 57:39
Not a solar oven.

Ronnie 57:40
Yeah.

Ben 57:40
So it’s acrylic and then there’s ceramic and it’s PP V is a paint.

Ronnie 57:46
It’s a paint protection film. Yep, okay. Yeah, um, so it’s kind of like um I believe most vehicles will wrap their entire vehicle at like three or four millimeters. Correct me if I’m wrong. I and then I heard PPF is usually around like seven to ten, a lot thicker. Okay.

Ben 57:59
So it’s like a vehicle wrap. Or why they use a vehicle wrap and other jobs.

Ferdinand 58:03
Yeah, okay. All right. But also for people when they see Stargazer, they they see an open, they say, wait, where’s the closure? Like, no, you can actually close the inside, yeah, and you still have uh a barrier just like uh inside the tent. Yeah, you can close and open. It’s not just like strictly Stargazer, kill like you know, sun beaming all all day long.

Ben 58:21
Yeah, yeah, it’s cool. Well, that’s that’s a limited uh product at the moment, isn’t it? And we are getting one here in our Adelaide store, hoping to have it for the 4X4 outdoor show, but it’s not going to arrive in time. But um, anyone who’s going to the Sydney show, which will be gone by now, that being gone. But hopefully, if you’ve uh had your questions answered there on that that tent and anything else. But otherwise, yeah, we’ll have it in the Adelaide store. And if if it becomes a thing, we’ll get it up in in Brisbane and stuff as well. All these so great to have these innovative products in there. So that’ll be four in the range then. Two standards, a carbon and um and the Stargazer. Yeah. Two sizes of the Stargazer. Yeah. But uh not readily available, right?

Ferdinand 59:00
Yeah, yeah, not just not yet. Yeah, yeah. So yeah, it is a limited edition. I just you know, it’s it takes it takes time to set those um tent, you know. It’s not and with carbon fibre, also it’s not as easy, just start making them. It’s it’s a really you know, it takes a lot of time. It’s more like we can mass produce them, but you know, you’re rushing things, it and you know, it’s just kind of better to put more.

Ronnie 59:24
It’s more so the curing process of the acrylic and just bonding everything together. The production time’s a lot greater than the carbon fibres. And so we’re trying to of course not stray away from our original designs and well, we are straying away because we’re always pushing the boundaries, but in sense in the sense of straying away from production time and allocating more time towards the stargazers, you know.

The Future of Inspired Overland

Lauren 59:51
Because obviously they still have to be viable, right? And you still have to keep your normal product line up. Correct. Yeah. So um are you like the future of Inspired Overland? Are you still very much focused on rooftop tents and trying to sort of push the boundaries within designs and stuff there? Or are you thinking you might expand out into other things like awnings or other sort of four wheel driving accessories in the future?

Ronnie 1:00:14
Yes. So that is the future. Um currently we have a 180 awning that’s going to be coming out as well.

Lauren 1:00:22
Okay, cool.

Ronnie 1:00:22
It’s actually gonna be carbon fibre. So it’s gonna be a hybrid. You know, obviously we’re the carbon fibre guys, right?

Lauren 1:00:27
Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Ben 1:00:28
So you were saying you were just holding that with one hand whatever.

Ronnie 1:00:31
So we I just I just got a sample over. And I remember when I was installing it, I was actually just grabbing the 180 awning, holding with one hand and putting the bolts on onto the brackets. That’s so good. My neighbor came by, sorry to cut you off. My neighbor, my neighbor, my neighbor came by and he was like, is that an awning? And I’m like, Yeah, he’s like, he’s like, did you just did you just hold it?

Ben 1:00:51
I’m like, really strong.

Lauren 1:00:53
That’s so good.

Ronnie 1:00:54
Yeah, yeah.

Lauren 1:00:54
Yeah, no, because I was thinking recently, I was like, oh, like what’s my setup for the next couple of years going to be because my circumstances changing and kids getting older and all that sort of stuff. Like, I really want to get an Inspired Overland rooftop tent. And I was like, Yeah, but then you know, I want an awning as well. And it’s like I’ll put this 36 kilo rooftop tent on my car, and then I’ll put like this 65 kilo awning on the side. It’s like it’s you know, such a random um misalignment there.

Ben 1:01:22
That’s right, these tents are the same weight as these awnings people are buying.

Lauren 1:01:25
Yeah, yeah, it’s um cool to hear that you guys are expanding entirely.

Ronnie 1:01:29
So just like just like how Ferdinand said with customer feedback and like what our customers want to see from us and what the market wants to see from us is we’re slowly but obviously rapidly designing other things, right? Like awnings, carbon fibre chairs, yeah. Um camping tables that I keep pushing for carbon fibre.

Lauren 1:01:52
Yeah.

Ronnie 1:01:52
But

Ben 1:01:55
Is that another crazy far off idea?

Ferdinand 1:01:57
No, I can the way I see it, there’s nothing uh there’s nothing crazy out there. You just just email us, let us know what you have in your mind, and uh we can get any product. I mean another one that we’ve talked about. It’s the the four person king size bed.

Ben 1:02:09
Yeah, I was gonna mention that.

Ferdinand 1:02:10
Yeah, it’s uh currently it’s about uh 125 pound, which is uh very light. Uh you know, about seven, so ten centimeters. I’m trying to convey 10 centimeters in terms of height when it closed. It’s a king-size bed. Uh, you know, very lightweight. Uh again, it’s uh people have been asking us with the family. You know, how you know what can please make this for us, you know. Uh keep it, you know, trying to be as affordable, but also as lightweight. I mean, the main thing has always been lightweight. And then at this years SEMA, you know, uh in November, we’ll be bringing that out. Uh a four-person king size bed for a king size bed for a family. Uh again, really, that’s that’s,

Ronnie 1:02:49
I just converted it. It’s uh 56.7 kg.

Ferdinand 1:02:54
Yeah, 56 or uh four size, four king bed size for king size. Yeah,

Ben 1:02:59
How good is that? Yeah.

Ferdinand 1:03:00
Man. I think it’s gonna be it’s gonna be awesome.

Ronnie 1:03:02
Um I mean, I I want it, I’ve been waiting for it. I’m like, dude, we gotta do it now. Uh so I have obviously you met my wife earlier, um, and then we have three children as well. So I’m like, we usually gotta bring another you know separate tent on top of our rooftop tent. And so if we could be able to have that, yeah.

Ben 1:03:20
I didn’t get a rooftop tent because …

Lauren 1:03:22
It’s just push it to the top of the list.

Ben 1:03:25
We spent four months on the road as a family, and I considered a rooftop tent for easy setup, but I couldn’t justify the weight of the four-person rooftop tents that were on the market at the time, and we just used a regular tent, but would totally think uh totally change how I would view that if it was 50 kilos. Yeah, yeah. Um, because that well that that’s how much is on the roof anyway, just for sleeping arrangements almost by the time I put a canvas tent and the swag that I put inside the tent.

Lauren 1:03:55
It’s the weight of your cargo anyway, yeah.

Ben 1:03:57
It’s almost 50 kilos, whereas that’s all that’s all included and it sets up in a portion of the time. Yeah, which in like 45 degree heat and 80 percent, 90% humidity is the last thing I wanted to be doing was tying stuff on a roof rack in the hot sun. Whereas if you could just pop that up and kids got somewhere to sleep. But that’s pretty exciting.

Ferdinand 1:04:14
Yeah, and also another one, the the Trail peak, the one I’m pretty sure that’s gonna get it to us. It’s is uh entry level, so it’s telling a cover top, you know, weighed uh 93 pounds, so that’s about 40 something kilos. Uh someone that are 6’2, 6’3 or taller. Uh you can actually sleep there and sit down and look at our side, and then it’s still very lightweight. Uh again, uh might have a carbon fibre version out of it. But again, it’s just we always first product come out, it’s always gonna be aluminum and tunnel cover first and see how uh you know how that works.

Ben 1:04:51
And and that had the the side, it almost looked like it lifted up more so it had.

Less Weight, More Fun! How Weight Affects Your Camping Experience

Ronnie 1:04:56
Yeah, so instead of the wedge instead of the wedge it comes up and to the side, yep, kind of like a clam, I guess, right? If you say it. And um, and you you’re able to utilize the full 200 and 208 centimeters, I believe.

Ben 1:05:12
Yep, that’s cool. So even tall people, yeah.

Ferdinand 1:05:15
Even tall people you can sit there and hang out and yeah, yeah.

Ronnie 1:05:20
All about having a good time, guys. Remember, we always gotta have good time.

Ferdinand 1:05:24
So you know, less money and and buying the tent and use the money to buy all the other fun stuff, you know, to take out to go camping, right? That’s the way you look at it. Wagyu stakes, yeah, yeah, the crap beers. Yeah, you know. The gas, right? If you don’t have your stuff you have in the car, the more gas or petrol that you would use for your car, right? Yeah. So now with the lighter product, you can have extra money to do other stuff.

Ben 1:05:50
Yeah, less white, less fuel so positive.

Ferdinand 1:05:54
It affects a lot of things. I mean, I mean, as a car guest, like you, you know, you understand when you build cars, like it’s affected your The fact that your suspension, the fact that your roof, uh it’s fact that a lot of different things. It’s everything.

Ronnie 1:06:05
It’s all it’s all your components, your tires, your wear and tear, just the wheel and everything.

Ferdinand 1:06:10
It’s everything. And most people have one car and that’s what they use for all around.

Ben 1:06:14
And so it’s a lot to get the worker back every day. Exactly. I think there’s a companies out there that know that, right? And there’s, you know, probably young kids just want that that look, and they go and they just get everything on the car. And if you’re gonna get that, you need a suspension upgrade as well, and you need this in your bad ties. And yeah, all of that, and then you’re gonna have to service it twice twice as often because everything’s wearing out twice as quick. So yeah.

Ferdinand 1:06:36
Um probably still like Apple, right? That’s the simple product is possible, the better it is, right? So yeah, simple, put it in the car and just watch it.

Ben 1:06:46
They’re uh their ethos, yeah. Yeah, I love that you brought Apple up. I can’t think of the statement, but it’s something along the lines of not just creating a computer but creating a beautiful product is kind of what their ethos was, which kind of getting that vibe from Inspired Overland as well.

Ferdinand 1:06:59
It’s it’s it’s it’s again they’re giving a prop to like GFC Super Light, also in the beginning. It’s it’s really taking all these ideas to different things and then kind of combine them and making something um that really for the people that want it, you know. Then I mean I mean that there’s no such thing as 100% perfect product, right? But but there is uh that you can take ideas from different things and kind of try to combine them, but then still stay true to what the the the companies uh uh was created for, yeah you know, and uh and we will say no, uh like you say, you know, if you want to add in more stuff, we say we say no, no, that’s that’s not what the company doesn’t want the brand, what’s the product are for? Like we’re gonna…

Lauren 1:07:39
You’re not getting a carbon fibre table Ronnie, okay?

Ronnie 1:07:43
No, that’s that’s what I that’s not that’s what I’m hearing.

Ferdinand 1:07:47
Yeah, yeah.

Ronnie 1:07:50
Oh, I want everything, trust me. I want I I I Joey and I push it, our team pushes it. Like, I want to be able to go camping and literally set everything up and have carbon fibre chairs, carbon fibre table, carbon fibre awnings, carbon fibre rooftop tent.

Ben 1:08:04
I’m I’m all about lightweight and and compact as well. So uh there’s you get big chairs and they’re really comfortable, but then you spend 10 minutes trying to fit it in the car amongst all the other stuff. And I just love the ease of when you’ve got compact, lightweight stuff that you can just put it in easy, take it out easy. It’s it’s not weighing your vehicle down, you’re not restricted by towing heavy trailers and all that sort of stuff. You can get wherever you want. Uh yeah, I’m all for that lightweight compact setup.

Ferdinand 1:08:31
Following up on that, right? And then so we don’t just make our product, we use our product our software. That’s that’s the difference, right? That people that are um they’re not that they’re you know getting product set up the logos and it’s just the salesman and sells the product, like they don’t never try the product. That’s the biggest difference. We actually use our product, yeah. You know, you you use the product, and then that’s how we also uh know what we need and what we don’t need.

Final Words

Ben 1:08:57
Yeah, that’s cool. Have you got anything else you want to add? Like we’ve we’ve spoken for over an hour now, and we did go on for ages. Which is really good.

Ferdinand 1:09:05
It’s very good. Like I like I said, this is my first time ever. Like there’s a couple people that want to do like an actual of how Inspired and how I uh uh you know how we got it started. But you you know, this is the first one, so that’s uh I don’t know, maybe maybe maybe the first and the last one.

Ben 1:09:19
That’s right, yeah. Well, usually we we’re trying to make sure that uh uh an interview doesn’t turn into a sales pitch. That’s not what we’re all about. It’s about getting to know the company and it’s been really good getting to know Inspired Overland, and it certainly reflects a lot of Snowy’s values that particularly Lauren and I, all about the the community. Um we just think of ourselves as one of the mates around the around the campfire. We’re just the people who can get the gear for the for the mates.

Lauren 1:09:40
Yeah.

Ferdinand 1:09:41
When we first met and came here with Snowys, right? One of the first things I flew in here, you know, just because I’m a little old school. My parents always taught me, you know, before signing any deals, you have to meet the person in you know meet the person in person. Like uh signing everything online is fine, but I I want to meet you, I want to see you in person. I I’ve talked to any other distributor, you know, people I I want to meet you in person. It’s because again, are we vibe? You have to vibe, my boy. Someone told me this too before. Um shout out to DK with uh Toyo tyres. He said, um, you know, when someone come and talk to you, he said, um he said, um how can you represent us, the brand, better than we can represent ourselves? Right?

Lauren 1:10:23
Yeah, yeah, that’s a good one.

Ferdinand 1:10:24
Right, that’s an extension of you’re not just selling my product. You you know, you have to you know, how are you gonna treat your consumer, right? That that’s really at the end of the day, you know, again, money is money, but how can you represent us better than we can represent ourselves? And that is really what stuck out to us. That’s why we don’t just work with anyone, you know, it’s not really yeah. I mean, as you say, I mean, uh you don’t fight with Ronnie or us with it it’s not gonna work. Yeah, you know, you can you can fake it, you can push it, but that’s you know, fake it, you can only certain amount of time and then it’s not gonna work.

Ben 1:11:03
You know, we I think we we saw the products first, we went, who’s this? We’ve never heard of them before. Look at the products, and you always approach with caution. But we’re um we’re really happy to be partnering with you guys with these tents in Australia. Um and uh to see the innovation and new stuff come through is it’s exciting too. It’s not just me too. It’s there’s there’s cool stuff to talk about that um keeps people engaged. Yeah.

Lauren 1:11:28
Sweet.

Ben 1:11:33
Have you got any more questions?

See You at the National 4X4 Outdoors Show in Sydney!

Lauren 1:11:33
I’m, all good, I’m, good.

Ben 1:11:36
Guys, that was awesome. Uh Inspired Overland, the innovation and all about the people. It’s um pretty excited. Uh, really looking forward to spending the weekend this coming weekend at the Sydney 4×4 Outdoors show with you guys. Um, it’s gonna be a bit late by the time this episode goes out, but hopefully, if you’re listening to this and you were there, you called by and uh had a look at the the tents that are on display. Um got any questions about any new stuff, then uh hopefully you’ve asked us. If you didn’t, you can jump on the Facebook page uh and we’ll answer that. We’ll see if you guys can jump in there too if you want and answer questions directly. Yeah, absolutely. If not, we’ll um we’ll certainly get the answers from you guys for the community.

Ronnie 1:12:15
Thank you guys for having us.

Ferdinand 1:12:16
You can always call us. You can always call me. You can always email us.

Ben 1:12:19
Well you’re awake, right? Yeah, so that’s awesome. Thanks so much for joining us.

Ronnie 1:12:25
Thank you guys.

Lauren 1:12:25
See you later.

Ben 1:12:26
That’s another episode of the Snow’s camping show. Done and dusted. Thanks for joining us. I hope you enjoyed that. Any questions for Inspired Overland, uh Ronnie or um Ferdinand, just let us know um however you can get in touch with us. Uh, we’ll see what we can find out for you. But otherwise, uh, if you’ve got nothing more, we’ll see you next time.

Lauren 1:12:44
Catch you later, guys.

Ben 1:12:45
Bye.

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep165 – Lightweight Rooftop Tents with Inspired Overland appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Hiking & Lightweight Sleeping Mats for 2025

Ben Collaton — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:15:27 +0000

Choosing a sleeping mat for your overnight hiking adventures can be a confusing affair! There’s a lot to consider: comfort, weight, size (both packed and inflated). Comparing all those details against price and your budget can positively make your head spin!

Some lightweight mats carry a significantly steep price tag on account of all the new technologies and fabrics incorporated into their design. It’s not easy to decide, and what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another.

Below, we’ve listed our top-selling lightweight hiking mats over the last 12 months (check out this blog for the top-selling sleeping mats for camping too). Before we get into the countdown, let’s cover some of the common questions asked about lightweight hiking mats…

‘Are hiking mats noisy to sleep on?’

Air-filled mats, such as the Thermarest NeoAir and the Sea to Summit air-filled mats, create more noise than self-inflating mats. The good news is that this noise is usually due to the fabric being new, so it will decrease over time and is a small trade-off for much more comfort.

When brand spanking new, some mats may make a little noise. Image: Thermarest

‘What is a bonded sleeping mat?’

This question refers to the self-inflating mats, where the outer fabric layer is glued (bonded) to the inner foam. This creates a sturdier sleeping surface and allows the mat to be inflated tightly.

‘How do I care for my sleeping mat?’

Wherever possible, always use something between your body and the mat such as a sleeping bag or liner. This reduces the amount of oil and sweat that soaks into the mat. Should your mat need cleaning, use a mild soap with warm water and a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the surface.

‘How do I store my sleeping mat?’

Self-inflating mats (full of dense foam) are best stored inflated. This ensures the foams’ memory is in an expanded state which shortens the time it takes at camp for the mat to inflate. Air-filled mats and air-filled insulated mats are much easier to care for. They are best stored loosely rolled, but if space is a premium, they can be rolled up and stored in their stuff sack once they’re clean and dry.

Store your hiking mat properly so that it stays in good condition for many more adventures. Image: Thermarest

‘What size sleeping mat should I get?’

If you’re in the ultra-lightweight category, you’ll probably want to consider the shorter version of any mat. This reduces weight, but you may need to use something else to insulate your feet if the ground is cold. If weight is not a big concern and you just want comfort (or you’re a cold sleeper), choose a mat that is roughly the same length as you are in height.

Width should also be considered, especially for users with larger frames. Women’s sleeping mats are usually shorter than the men’s equivalent, and often have increased insulation around the feet and hips.

Unless weight is an issue, go for the size that matches your height. Image: Sea to Summit

‘What is R-value?’

R-value is an indication of how well the mat resists the transfer of heat from one side to another. This applies to the heat or cold from under the mat, as well as the heat your body may lose into the mat.

The higher the value, the less likely it is you will feel cold from the ground and the more body heat you will retain. For those who want to understand R-value a little better, check out this article here.

There is now a new industry standard for R-value called ASTM F3340-18. Whilst the concept of R-value remains the same, the actual testing methods for the value have been updated.

This has been introduced in a bid to create a level playing field for R-value across brands and to help consumers make more informed choices when comparing the performance of sleeping pads.

The ASTM F3340-18 was introduced in 2020 and to date, not every manufacturer has tested their mats to this new standard. This makes things tricky as you can only really make a true comparison between mats that are both tested to the industry standard.

We’ll make sure we update information on our website as we receive the latest test data from our suppliers.

In cold conditions, a higher R-value will help prevent you from feeling the cold. Image: Thermarest

Mat Types

Closed-Cell Foam

These are made of dense foam with thousands of airtight bubbles inside. They do not compress down, don’t offer much comfort, but they insulate really well and are indestructible, lightweight and very affordable.

Air-Filled

These consist of chambers or cells that require inflation before use. Air-filled mats usually offer a lot of comfort for their relative weight and packed size. They are not self-inflating and should they get a puncture, will not offer any comfort at all. Insulated versions have chambers of synthetic fill or down to help trap warm air.

Air-filled mats are usually the choice for lightweight trekkers and adventurers. Image: Sea to Summit

Self-Inflating

These mats are slabs of open-cell foam, often with holes or cores cut out. Durable fabric is bonded to the foam at the surface and sealed on the edges to create an airtight mat. The expanding foam is what creates the self-inflating feature, but this also means they require a little more muscle to compress the foam when packing your mat away. The other benefit of these mats is that if a puncture does occur, they still offer some padding and insulation.

Filled with expanding foam, a self-inflating mat is a very comfy choice, though not as light. Image: Sea to Summit

Now that we’ve got those questions out of the way, let’s have a look at Snowys best-selling sleeping mats for hiking over the last 12 months.

We’d like to note here that we choose the products we range based on value for money, feedback from our customers, as well as the quality and support from the manufacturer.

10. Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad

Even at number 10, the NeoAir XLite NXT wins gold for lightweight performance and packability!

Providing stellar warmth-to-weight ratio, 6.4cm of thickness with an internal, supportive baffle structure, and an R-value of 4.2 for insulation across year-round expeditions – these mats are for the fast and light adventurer. Their tapered shape reduces bulk, while ultralight Nylon saves those extra grams. ThermaCapture technology and a Triangular Core Matrix construction work together to trap radiant heat and prevent heat loss – meanwhile keeping the pack size down. Featuring Thermarest’s WingLock valve too, inflating is simple and 3-times faster thanks to one-way inflation and a large opening.

Complete with a pump sack for inflation, a field repair kit for patching up mid-adventure, and a compact stuff sack for storage – these mats are available in a range of sizes.

Why buy this mat?: Superior combination of a supportive structure, year-round performance, and packability.

9. Sea to Summit Pursuit Self Inflating Mat

Fresh to both the top 10 rank and the Snowys floor is the Pursuit Self-Inflating Mat range by Sea to Summit – delivering sublime wilderness sleep where rest matters most!

Featuring innovative Horizontal Delta Coring technology, these mats create foam-supported air channels for maximum comfort at minimal weight. The Pursuit Plus boasts generous 7.5cm thickness with R-Value 4.1 for extended three-season adventures, while the standard Pursuit offers efficient 5cm thickness with R-Value 3.0. Both feature bluesign APPROVED recycled fabric, XPEL Multi-Function Valves, and side-loading stuff sacks for swift transitions. Available in lightweight Contour and spacious Rectangular shapes, you’ll bounce back refreshed for outdoor exploration!

Why buy this mat?: For restful nights’ sleeps after long days of adventuring in alpine environments.

8. Thermarest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad

The ultimate slumber pad for fast and light adventurers — the NeoAir XTherm NXT by Thermarest conquers cold with cloud-like comfort!

Boasting superior warmth-to-weight ratio, 7.5cm thickness, and legendary R-value of 7.3, this mat delivers unbeatable backcountry comfort. Triangular Core Matrix with ThermaCapture technology radiates body heat while reducing loss, meanwhile horizontal baffles ensure alpine-worthy support. The durable 70D base withstands outback abuse, while minimalist design packs to 1L bottle size. Complete with pump sack, repair kit, and rapid WingLock valve for effortless setup!

Why buy this mat?: With technology that radiates body heat while reducing heat loss, the NeoAir XTherm is ideal for alpining, mountaineering, and lightweight adventuring in cold climates.

7. Exped Ultra 7R LW Sleeping Mat

From tempestuous paddling to snow-capped summits — the Ultra 7R LW by Exped marries ultra-light kit with sleep-supporting performance!

Downmat technology delivers all-season insulation for alpine adventures and polar extremes, while Comfort Cradle design features securing side rails and head-to-toe air chambers for dreamy slumber. Recycled ripstop polyester construction prevents landfill waste with eco-conscious comfort crafted using less carbon, water, and energy. Complete with Exped’s pioneering Flatvalve for heavy-duty, reliable inflation, this mat beats biking and alpine brutality with uncompromising performance!

Why buy this mat?: For warmth and comfort on backpacking, bike-packing, hiking, and alpining adventures.

6. Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated Mat

With every one of these updates, year after year, these mats come in strong.

Over the years, Sea to Summit has refined the Comfort Light mats range, which now comprises the insulated version and the insulated women’s specific. These mats are probably the most versatile in the brand’s inflatable range, made to provide warmth where it is needed and save weight where it is not. The Comfort Light range is made with two independent inflatable layers, and provides custom comfort and a level of redundancy in the event of a puncture.

Why buy this mat?: Compact comfort and versatility.

5. Exped Versa 5R LW Sleeping Mat

This sleeping mat blends durability with versatility.

Synmat technology with an industry-standard R5 value offers insulation that endures all-season weather. Its head-to-toe air chambers provides a level of durability only dreamed about, while a recycled polyester construction is crafted with less carbon, water, and energy. With an industry-leading Exped-pioneered FlatValve, you achieve no-fuss, reliable inflation.

The Versa 5R LW Sleeping Mat will have you dreaming by dusk and backpacking by daybreak.

Why buy this mat?: Air-filled with outstanding warmth for winter adventures.

4. Thermarest Z Lite Sleeping Mat

Coming in at number 4 – up 3 places since 2023 – we have the accordion-design Z Lite from Thermarest. Some feedback has suggested this mat is slightly bulky, but its reduced weight and budget-friendly price tag make it worth the slightly larger packed size.

It’s a closed-cell foam construction with heat-trapping dimples that provide just enough protection, and can also be used as an extra layer of thermal insulation underneath another mat. It may not dazzle you with a whole lot of specs – but it’s a straight-up, no-nonsense, easy-to-pack-up option with a comfy base between you and the ground.

Why buy this mat?: An affordable, ultralight mat that’s virtually indestructible.

3. Exped LW FlexMat

Be it added insulation for existing self-inflating mat, or simply a minimalist sleeping solution – this mat is the versatile choice.

Its closed-cell IXPE foam construction is DWR-free, while the fold-out design bodes for ease of use in outdoor environments. An R-value of 1.5 has been tested to the ASTM F3340-18 standard, both insulating from the cold and protecting from puncture-prone terrain. For the ultralight travellers seeking a minimalist sleeping option, this mat can also be used on its own.

Why buy this mat?: Versatile in offering added insulation, resistance to rough terrain, and a minimalist option for lightweight trips.

2. Sea to Summit Esther Light XR Insulated Air Sleeping Mat

The groundbreaking evolution in outdoor sleep comfort — the Ether Light XR range by Sea to Summit delivers premium plush without compromising packability!

Both models feature 10cm Air Sprung Cell construction and innovative ThermalCore technology for stable, cushioned support. The XR offers reliable three-season performance with R-Value 4.1, while the XR Pro delivers unparalleled four-season warmth with impressive R-Value 7.4 thanks to multiple TRM insulation layers. Integrated Airstream pump, XPRESS valve system, and PillowLock patches ensure effortless setup and slip-free sleep on every alpine adventure!

Why buy this mat?: Upgrade to more comfort without compromising weight.

1. Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sprung Cell Insulated Mat

Redefining lightweight comfort for trekking adventures — the Ultralight Insulated range by Sea to Summit delivers compact warmth without compromise! The best-selling Ultralights took the trophy 3 years ago too, featuring a single layer of inflatable cells that conform to your body when you sleep.

With a dot-weld construction creating pocket spring-like air cells, these mats combine body-conforming comfort with Thermolite insulation and heat-reflective Exkin Platinum fabric. The standard version offers versatile performance, while the Women’s model provides tailored hip-wide, shoulder-narrow geometry with R-Value 3.5. Both feature antimicrobial TPU treatment, breath-inflatable design, and PillowLock attachment systems. Lightweight hikers, prepare for jealousy-inducing comfort that packs incredibly compact for every alpine escape!

Why buy this mat?: When weight and pack size are paramount on fast and light adventures!

What to look out for next year?

Well, usually it’s brands like Sea to Summit and Exped that have been the ones to watch when it comes to lightweight mats… but we reckon Thermarest might continue to gain interest and move their way closer to pole position next year! Will they prove strong enough to push Sea to Summit out of the top 3? Stay tuned for next year’s update…

Ben and Lauren chat with Ross from Sea to Summit about the updates to some of their sleeping mats on the Snowys Camping Show:

What’s the best hiking mat you’ve ever used?

The post Best Hiking & Lightweight Sleeping Mats for 2025 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Headlamps for Hiking & Camping – 2025 Review

Snowys Staff — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 21:38:56 +0000

From those late-night roadside pull-ups, to the midnight dunny runs – a headlamp provides a useful, hands-free lighting alternative for every outdoor endeavour.

We’ve cast a spotlight on the 10 best-selling headlamps for 2024. Image: BioLite

Choose from multi-feature designs with numerous modes, strobes, and patterned globes, or sleek, streamlined designs offering only the necessities.

Be it pitching your setup at sundown, searching for that spanner during roadside car repairs, or trekking the blackened tracks back to base camp – a headlamp is a true henchman, drenching darkness with daylight. Run time, power, comfort, and price point are all worth a little thought so you can determine the best headlamp for your outdoor adventure.

Run time, power, comfort, and price point are all worth a little thought so you can determine the best headlamp for your outdoor adventure. Pictured: Black Diamond Deploy 325 Run Light

We’ve cast a spotlight on the 10 best-selling headlamps for 2025 – and to shed some light on what’s ahead, we’ve had some major shifts and changes to the rank since last year.

Let’s turn it on, off the grid – starting with number 10…

10. Ledlenser MH10 LED Headlamp

Lumens: 600

Looking for a hands-free, on-the-glow solution that lights up the night without weighing down your noggin? The MH10 LED Headlamp from Ledlenser might just be your brightest idea yet!

Featuring 600 lumens of clean white light with a 150m beam range and weighing in at only 158g – this headlamp delivers the best weight-to-brightness ratio in the entire Led Lenser range. The MH10 doesn’t stop there though, boasting three versatile light modes and a rear red safety light for enhanced visibility. Its Lithium Ion battery recharges lightning-fast through the USB 3.0 charging system, clipping neatly into a low-profile housing at the rear. Complete with red and green colour filters for specialist applications, this headlamp is built for those who demand lightweight performance without compromise.

For lightweight performance that truly shines – the Ledlenser MH10 Headlamp delivers high-beam brilliance!

9. Black Diamond Deploy 325 Run Light

Lumens: 325

Ready to light up those pre-dawn training sessions and dusky sunset runs? The Deploy 325 Run Light Rechargeable Headlamp by Black Diamond is your switched-on, ultra-light running companion.

With an impressive 325-lumen output providing plenty of light to illuminate rocky trails or suburban streets, this headlamp tackles any terrain at any time. The variable angle lens design adjusts with the push of a button for optimal beam positioning, while the small, compact shape fits neatly under your hat brim. Light foam padding and a flexible wing band deliver stability and bounce-free comfort during those high-intensity sessions. Recharging is a breeze thanks to the built-in quick-charging battery connected via USB-C and included cable, ensuring you’re always ready for action when the sun sets or before it rises.

8. Black Diamond Cosmo 350 and 350-R Headlamp

Lumens: Cosmo 350: 350 | Cosmo 350-R: 350

Calling all glow-getters – the Cosmo 350 Headlamp by Black Diamond is your beacon of light, now available in battery and rechargeable models.

From the dark driveways to the blackened paddocks, this headlamp boasts red, green, and blue night-vision, plus full strength, dimming, strobe, and lock modes for ultimate illumination across both proximity and distance. Red night-vision alone offers both strobe and dimming modes, activating without the need to cycle through. Lock mode also prevents accidental use when stored in either a pack or a pocket, so you can ride the bumps of rugged scrubs without falling flat! Plus – a dual-fuel system allows charging flexibility and a battery meter monitors its status.

With an IPX8 rating and a Brightness Memory function too – the Cosmo 350 and 350-R Headlamps are a result of another Black Diamond lightbulb moment, offering the ultimate glow on the go.

7. Petzl Swift RL 1100 Headlamp

Lumens: 1100

Beaming a bright 1100 lumens, the Swift RL 1100 from Petzl packs a luminous punch!

With Reactive Lighting technology that automatically adjusts brightness and beam patterns for optimal battery usage, its mixed beam feature delivers dynamic outdoor lighting for activities requiring both proximity and distance vision. The ergonomically designed headband is adjustable, detachable, and washable – reflective for visibility in low-light conditions, with the ability to tilt both upward when around the neck and downward when strapped around a helmet. A Lithium-ion 2350 mAh battery is rechargeable via the USB-C port, while a five-level battery gauge means you can monitor power levels. Plus, enjoy straightforward operation with only one button to control on/off functions, lighting modes, brightness, and locking to prevent turning on in transit. This little light is the MVP of your hands-free lighting line-up!

6. Petzl Tikkina 300 Headlamp

Lumens: 300

Owing to its impressive history of reliable lighting, the Tikkina 300 head torch by Petzl continues to rank highly in the Top 10 head torches for camping and hiking as a trusted classic – sitting snug in fifth place and maintaining true Petzl quality at an affordable price.

Offering 300 lumens and an IPX4 rating for wild weather resistance, the Tikkina is compatible with either standard AAA batteries or a separately available CORE rechargeable battery. As always, Petzl cast a spotlight on convenience and user-friendly componentry, featuring a single-button operation for ease of use.

Through its evolution, the Petzl Tikkina retains its sleek, compact design, perfect as reliable proximity lighting for campers and hikers.

5. Petzl Tikka 350 and Tikka Core 450

Lumens: Tikka 350: 350 | Tikka Core 450: 450

The Tikka headlamp by Petzl is a dynamic blend of compact, comfortable, and reliable lighting, now available in both battery and rechargeable (Core) versions. A classic in the lighting industry, this solid, hands-free noggin globe has been on the market for years.

Red and white light options allow for versatile application during both evening and late night outdoor activities, while a glow-in-the-dark function is the light at the end of the tunnel when your headlamp goes rogue.

An IPX4 rating offers weather resistance, so it battles the outback brutality by your side – plus, there’s the option of both 3 x AAA batteries included or the rechargeable single battery.

The Petzl Tikka headlamp is ideal for both general camping and hiking use.

4. Black Diamond Storm 450 and 500-R

Lumens: Storm 450: 450 |Storm 500-R: 500

For the adventurers who look on the bright side – the Storm 450 and 500-R Headlamps by Black Diamond take the loyal lamp to the next level.

Be it rechargeable or AAA batteries, their ‘dual-fuel’ system allows flexibility of power sources. With an IP67 waterproof rating, they can operate at least one metre underwater for 30 minutes – so you can beat the dead batteries out bush and brave the after-dark fishing. From a maximum light output of 450 to 500 lumens respectively, enjoy a dynamic duo of dim and full power thanks to the PowerTap technology for instant transitioning too. Brightness Memory means your chosen brightness remains even after switching off, while full strength, dimming, strobe, and lock modes, plus red, green, and blue night-vision together offer illumination across proximity and distance.

Look on the bright side, with the Black Diamond Storm Headlamp range.

3. Black Diamond Astro 300 and 300-R

Lumens: Astro 300: 300 | Astro 300-R: 300

From the backyard to the outback, the Astro 300 and 300-R Headlamps by Black Diamond pack a luminous punch!

Swanking an elastic headband for next-to-skin comfort, achieve ultimate illumination with 300 lumens across both dimming and strobe settings. With a dual-fuel system for charging flexibility and monitoring, the 300-R model also boasts a built-in rechargeable battery. Their Brightness Memory feature retains your chosen brightness even after switching off, and an IPX4 water resistance rating withstands rain and sleet from all angles. Plus, ride those bumpy, rugged roads dry without falling flat owing to lock mode for preventing accidental use while stored.

These are the beacons worth packing with the camp tackle!

2. Black Diamond Spot 400 and 400-R Headlamps

Lumens: Spot 400: 400 | Spot 400-R: 400

For all-round radiance that’s also compact in your rucksack – the Spot 400 and 400-R Headlamp by Black Diamond offer impressive illumination on those multi-use missions, now available in battery and rechargeable.

With a recycled elastic headband offering supple next-to-skin comfort – it’s the true henchman for your head! Achieve ultimate illumination across both proximity and distance with a range of light settings, including dimming, strobe, and red night-vision modes. Keep track of the battery capacity with the built-in battery meter, while red night-vision alone offers both strobe and dimming modes. Enjoy dim and full power with the PowerTap technology for instant transitioning, while a Brightness Memory feature retains your selected brightness even after switching off.

1. Petzl Actik 450 and Actik Core 600

Lumens: Actik: 450 | Actik Core: 600

Be it tearing up the running trails, trekking the ups and drops, or skidding up the bike tracks, the Actik Core from Petzl is the most popular of the Actik range.

Available in a 450 or 600-lumen model, the Actik range provides flood or mixed beam patterns, and multiple lighting options including a red mode for protective night vision. Its reflective headband enables visibility for identification purposes, as well as versatility in powering options; standard batteries, or a Core rechargeable battery for convenience.

For the adventurers feeling in the dark about rugged lighting, or the outdoor entrepreneurs looking for the light – the Petzl Actik and Actik Core are fully prepared for every high-energy activity.

For the Little Lights: OZtrail Kids Headlamps

Lumens: Not specified

Let your little lights shine with a little help from the Kids Headlamps by OZtrail!

Powered by AAA batteries, these torches are available across three bright and fun designs: Crocodile, Dog, or the Aussie Koala. Compact but feature-complete, they sport both solid and flashing light modes to allow plenty of playtime after sunset, while single-button control ensures easy, independent use. Plus, a soft, supple head strap is fully adjustable to fit heads great and small!

Let’s switch it on, off the grid! Image: BioLite

What’s your preferred headlamp for your adventures?

The post Best Headlamps for Hiking & Camping – 2025 Review appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep164 – How to Choose a Headlamp

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:55:04 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

In this episode, Ben and Lauren have several lightbulb moments…

Our gear gurus navigate the headlamp highway, shedding light on choosing the perfect hands-free lighting solution for your outdoor adventures. This 25-minute breakdown is as bright as it is tight, exploring the technical details from lumens versus lux ratings to flood versus spotlight beam patterns.

The conversation covers power options, red light function, and practical considerations for both night hiking and campsite dynamics. Tune in for illuminating advice on how to choose the best headlamp for you!

Our gear gurus shed light on choosing the perfect hands-free lighting solution for your outdoor adventures.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:48 – How to Choose a Headlamp

02:53 – Ben and Lauren’s Headlamps

04:29 – The Petzl Range

05:41 – Lumens

08:19 – Lux

09:07 – Night Hiking

09:57 – Flood and Spotlight Beam

11:03 – Value for Money

12:28 – How a Headlamp is Powered

16:46 – The Red Light Function

18:49 – Petzl Vs Black Diamond

22:49 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

Products:

Petzl Tikkina 300 Headlamp

Petzl Tikka 350 Headlamp

Petzl Tikka Core 450 Headlamp

Petzl Swift RL 1100 Headlamp

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamps

Black Diamond Cosmos 350 Headlamps

Hardkorr headlamps

Podcasts and Blogs:

Best Headlamps for Hiking & Camping – 2025 Review

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep164 – How to Choose a Headlamp appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep163 – What Makes a Fabric Waterproof?

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 01:43:45 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Water meets its match: fabric technologies demystified!

When it rains, it pours – but it doesn’t have to bore! In this episode, Ben is presented with another opportunity to geek out, and this time our gear gurus unfold the complex world of waterproof fabrics. From the fundamental differences between waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent, to hydrostatic head ratings and coatings – Ben and Lauren decode every last drop.

The conversation flows through PE versus PU treatments, siliconised fabrics, laminated materials, and the beading beauty of DWR coatings. Tune in for a masterclass in fabric technology that proves keeping dry is equal parts chemistry, engineering, and outdoor know-how!

From the differences between waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent, to hydrostatic head ratings – Ben and Lauren decode every last drop.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:45 – Another Excuse for Ben to Geek Out…

02:06 – Waterproof, Water-Resistant, and Water-Repellant

03:55 – Maintaining Realistic Expectations

06:23 – Waterhead and Hydrostatic Head

08:49 – Coatings and Laminations

11:37 – Hydrophilic Coatings and Preventing Hydrolysis

13:01 – PE Vs PU Coatings

13:53 – Siliconised Fabrics

15:21 – Laminated Fabrics

16:23 – Durable Water Repellant (DWR)

18:20 – Canvas Vs Polyester

27:14 – Re-Waterproofing

31:01 – Another Geek-Out Done!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

All camping tents

Canvas camping tents

Polyester camping tents

All swags

Canvas swags

Polyester swags

Podcasts and Blogs:

Tent Waterhead Ratings: Explained

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep163 – What Makes a Fabric Waterproof? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Camping Lights & Lanterns for 2025

Snowys Staff — Tue, 27 May 2025 19:24:57 +0000

From lighting up those late-night, roadside pull-ups, to long-lasting illumination on those midnight loo runs – a camping lantern is your light at the end of the tunnel for any after-dark outdoor endeavour.

At the very least, a lantern offers light to function after sundown. Over time, LED technology has developed, launching the humble camping lantern further into the tech-savvy sphere (amid many other gadgets and gizmos in line for an upgrade)! Now, we embrace the benefits of high-impact lighting flooding from more compact packages. Be it campsite party planning or outback battery powering – some lanterns are now equipped with features such as dappling disco light modes, and the ability to charge smartphones.

So, fellow trailblazers – what’s the glow?

To shed some light, we’ve collated our top ten sellers in the camping lantern category – from your late-night toilet run chums and high-beam henchmen, to the ultimate lights of the party! Starting at number ten…

At the very least, a lantern offers light to function after sundown. Image: BioLite

10. Gasmate Medium Gas Lantern

The Gasmate Medium Lantern casts a warm glow when power points are a pipe dream!

This robust apparatus features heat-resistant frosted glass, an epoxy powder-coated hood, and a chrome-plated steel frame to withstand outback brutality. Its camping valve connection (3/8″ BSP-LH) ensures effortless gas bottle hook-up, while an adjustable dimmer and multi-purpose carry handle offer versatile light control and placement for those deep, dusty discussions after dark.

Light up those late-night cuppa times with the Gasmate Medium Lantern!

9. BioLite AlpenGlow 250 and 500 Lanterns

For adventurers on the glow, the BioLite AlpenGlow is your mobile magic maker.

Providing mesmerising colour for campsite ambience, or white lighting for task-based needs around basecamp – this light is available in two sizes, beaming a maximum output of 250 or 500 lumens. With ChromaReal LEDs offering true tones for night-time antics, and an IPX4 water resistance – match the natural beauty of sunshine on a rainy day, with warm white light against an evening shower.

From toasting campfire marshies to hosting campfire magic, simply shake the globe to activate special lighting modes such as candle flicker, cycling colour, multicolour, and single-colour – offering either blended or bold, stand-alone colour. Boasting a rechargeable 6400mAh battery and USB out-charging abilities for other electronic devices (such as the separately available BioLite SiteLights) – the BioLite AlpenGlow is the on-the-go globe for bespoke outback adventures.

8. Ledlenser ML6 Rechargeable Lantern & ML4 Mini Rechargeable Lantern

Light up the night with the ML6 Rechargeable and ML4 Mini Rechargeable Lanterns by Ledlenser.

With 750 lumens from the ML6 and superior lens technology for energy efficiency, the micro-prism mechanism has the ML4 Mini beaming a maximum of 300. Boasting light modes from ‘boost’ to ‘blink’, and ‘strobe’ to ‘SOS’ – your ML6 lantern can be applied to multiple scenarios, doubling as a power bank to boost the charge of your USB devices.

While the ML6 provides mounting options via the hook, magnet, and removable stand – the ML4 Mini features a carabiner snap hook for suspending overhead or attaching to the back of a pack. Their IP ratings protect from dust and water damage. resisting the rough and tumble of the temperamental outdoors.

From the blackened paddocks to campsite dynamics – the Ledlenser ML6 and ML4 Mini Rechargeable Lanterns are for the off-grid glow-getters!

7. Zempire Capsule Light

Aptly named, as it shares the same shape (albeit much larger) as a vitamin capsule! The Zempire Capsule Light is a ridiculously affordable tent light, ideal for smaller tents or emergencies. It runs from 3 x AA batteries – and while not the brightest light in our range at 25 lumens, it’s such an affordable price that you can have more than one in your kit.

The base is flat for standing on a table, while the hanging hook feature makes for easy suspension inside a tent or under a shelter.

6. Coleman Swagger Lithium-Ion, Lithium-Ion LED Rugged, and Lithium-Ion LED Easy Hang Lanterns

Conquer campsite blackouts with Coleman’s rechargeable LED lanterns – the ultimate power-packed glowmakers!

From tent roofs to table tops, these versatile illuminators offer 300-400 lumens and USB device charging capability. The Easy Hang boasts a hook-and-loop strap for creative positioning, the Swagger features multiple brightness settings with a D-clip hook and magnetic backing, while the Rugged model delivers robust protection with a storage compartment for its charger. All sport battery indicators, impact-resistant housing, and dual lighting modes.

Illuminate those starlit brew breaks with Coleman’s clever, compact lantern lineup!

5. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0, Luci Outdoor 2.0 Pro, Luci Lux, and Luci Lux Pro Lanterns

We’re not usually one to share the limelight – but this flash four take the bronze medal together!

A dynamic duo of durable and lightweight – the Luci lanterns bundle all of MPOWERD’s lightbulb moments together to deliver kick-butt, striking lighting.For a little guy, the Luci Outdoor Light 2.0 is big on outback durability – boasting waterproof and shatterproof features. Like the Outdoor Light 2.0 Pro, Lux Lantern, and Lux Lantern Pro – this dark-defying gadget collapses for easy storage too. Each of the four models are chargeable in sunlight, giving a maximum of 24 hours runtime on the low setting – so you keep the campsite dynamics kicking after dark. With low, medium, high, and one-second flashing modes available, take the trusty torchlight up a notch from the darkest patches beyond the canvas, to campsite magic amid your set-up.

The Outdoor Light 2.0 Pro and Lux Lantern Pro offer USB charging facilities too – providing you with your perfect Plan B for beating the dead batteries. Owing to their IP67 rating, both the Lux Lantern and Lux Lantern Pro also withstand the sour weather – having them your brightest sparks even in dank, damp darkness.

Crossing elegance with endurance, like two intercepting torchlights navigating the after-dark paths – the Luci Lantern varieties are for those feeling in the dark about campsite lighting.

4. Zempire Megadome 150, 300, 500, and 1000 Lanterns

From sunset solace to midnight manoeuvres, the Zempire Megadome Lantern series turns night into day beyond the ‘burbs!

This rechargeable lantern family delivers 360-degree illumination with unique dome designs across four models: the compact 150-lumen (27-hour runtime) for small tents, versatile 300-lumen (39-hour runtime) for general camping, powerful 500-lumen (38-hour runtime) with adjustable hanging cable, and the brilliant 1000-lumen (15-hour runtime) with natural bamboo base. All feature USB-C recharging, glow-in-the-dark diffusers, and sturdy handles for hanging.

Brighten those dusk-till-dawn billy boils – from compact adventures to full-blown bush bashes.

3. Dogbox Edison Vintage Rechargeable Festoon Light (Single)

Bring ye olde charm to your campsite clobber with the Edison Vintage Rechargeable Festoon Light by Dogbox!

From sunset picnics to midnight meat feasts, this vintage-style apparatus blends nostalgic aesthetics with modern innovation – housing a warm yellow incandescent LED filament that blazes up to 200 lumens of atmospheric glow. Illuminate those backroad banquets and rustic retreats with ease, thanks to a convenient hanging hook for creative campsite positioning and USB-C charging capability for fuss-free power maintenance on your outdoor exploits.

Cast a golden glow over those fireside yarns with a blast from the past – the Dogbox Edison Vintage Rechargeable Festoon Light!

2. Dogbox Lumoclip Mini Light

The Lumoclip Mini Light by Dogbox is the stand-up, clip-on solution to campsite darkness!

From tent poles to tailgates, this multi-talented illuminator blasts 400 lumens from its COB LED to banish the shadows on every outback escape. Attach it where the action is with its mini carabiner, prop it up with the rear kickstand for hands-free brilliance, or slap it onto any metal surface with its powerful built-in magnet. Plus, crack open a cold one when the day’s adventures wind down, thanks to the integrated bottle opener for sunset bevvies.

Banish those pitch-black pasta preps with the clever, compact Dogbox Lumoclip Mini Light.

1. Hardkorr U-Lite Dual Colour Universal LED Lantern with Lithium Battery

At Number 1 for yet another year, the U-Lite Dual Colour Universal LED Lantern with Lithium Battery by Hardkorr is one of the most versatile lights in our range – firmly positioned in our bestsellers list.

From the toolshed to the tent, enjoy more brightness and an inbuilt rechargeable lithium battery for convenience. Packing a blinding punch with an output of 155 lumens for up to 6 hours on high and over 90 hours on low, alternate effortlessly between high, medium, and low white light. Plus, the orange hue option keeps the bugs at bay.

For robust resilience in brutal outback conditions, the IP66 rating and sturdy construction work together to guarantee a blend of dynamism and durability. Attach it easily to your wheel wells, awning, tent poles, camper trailers, fences and more – plus, an elastic strap and an inbuilt magnet helps for mounting.

This compact and durable light is useful to have on hand at home, and at camp!

The ML6 lantern can be applied to multiple scenarios, doubling as a power bank to boost the charge of your USB devices. Image: Led Lenser

What to Watch:

Darche Mini Multi LED Camp Lights

These boys are the beacons worth packing with the camp kit!

Boasting a rechargeable 1200mAh lithium battery, benefit from four light modes across Low, Medium, High, and Turbo, plus red and flashing red technologies for emergencies. A magnetic stand allows for convenient mounting and an IPX5 rating resists the wetter weather, so you can brave wet and wintery conditions after dark. Pack with its USB-C charging cable into the convenient carry case too, with included carbiners to keep your lit bit of kit tidy and together.

BioLite SiteLight String

Designed to create a mini camp light constellation for true campsite magic!

Hang inside or over your tent for illumination, or from a tree branch for overhead lighting. Featuring four lights that provide 150 lumens of total ambient glow, the SiteLight String is also daisy-chainable along 10 feet of cord, offering the perfect mix-and-match set up. Plus – enjoy ultimate campsite compatibility by powering via the separately available lanterns from Biolite or any USB power source, thanks to the included adaptor.

Make magic with the charming and functional SiteLight String from BioLite.

The BioLite SiteLight String creates a mini camp light constellation for true campsite magic! Image: BioLite

Need to upgrade your camping lantern?

The post Best Camping Lights & Lanterns for 2025 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep162 – All About myCOOLMAN with Charlie Graham

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 25 May 2025 23:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

A deep-freeze dive into myCOOLMAN with the guy who keeps his cool for a living…

Staying cool under pressure is both an art and a science. In this episode, Ben and Lauren sit down with myCOOLMAN’s Technical Sales and Product Specialist, Charlie Graham, to unpack what makes this Aussie fridge manufacturer tick. Our gear gurus explore the brand’s ground-up origins, tap into the Blue-Gen compressor technology, and discover the hidden features that set myCOOLMAN apart from the frosty competition.

From efficiency and quality control processes to battery integration and secrets to reducing noise, tune in for the cold, hard truth on how local engineering expertise builds the best fridges for Australian adventures.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren sit down with myCOOLMAN’s Technical Sales and Product Specialist, Charlie Graham.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:35 – Introducing Technical Sales and Product Specialist, Charlie Graham

08:26 – Brands Beneath the myCOOLMAN Umbrella

08:57 – The Origin of the myCOOLMAN Name

11:47 – The Team Involved From the Ground Up

14:44 – What Makes myCOOLMAN Different (and Better)?

18:14 – The Blue-Gen Compressor

26:35 – The Recreational Series

29:17 – myCOOLMAN’s Hidden Secrets and Features

32:03 – Efficiency

38:11 – Testing Standards and Quality Control

40:18 – Insulation

42:08 – Battery Power Packs

47:35 – Example myCOOLMAN Setup

49:43 – Reducing Noise

53:00 – Troubleshooting: Service Agents, Spare Parts, and Warranties

55:38 – The myCOOLMAN Aesthetic

1:04:00 – What’s in myCOOLMAN’s Future?

1:05:51 – Charlie’s Final Notes

1:09:48 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

Products:

All Fridges & Coolers

myCOOLMAN Fridges & Coolers

myCOOLMAN Portable Fridge Power Pack CPP15

myCOOLMAN Recreational Series

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep162 – All About myCOOLMAN with Charlie Graham appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Coffee Makers for Camping: 2025 Review

Snowys Staff — Wed, 21 May 2025 23:58:42 +0000

Picture this:

Freeze-dried instant coffee at the bottom of an enamel camp cup, hot water boiled from a Billy, and a dash of communal campsite milk from the cooler.

…Bean there, done that.

It’s about time you got the best out of your brew beyond your home kitchen coffee setup. While there are some classics we could never cull, we boil it down to what matters most – from portability, durability, and functionality, to compact pack size, limited wait times, and the ultimate caffeination at sunrise!

The following coffee makers are our 2025 best-sellers in facilitating those magical mug moments on the edge of the camp mat. Be it an almost-latte on the lightweight treks or a full-bodied black with one sugar at sunrise – carry the comfort of a home brew with you on every outdoor escape, starting here…

For Brew-ability with Durability

AeroPress Portable Coffee Maker and Go Travel Coffee Press

A bold base camp brew in only two minutes! Credit: AeroPress

The original AeroPress Coffee Maker and convenient Go Travel Coffee Press are the perfectly portable and easy-to-use coffee makers for home, work, and the outdoors.

For a bold base camp brew in only two minutes, start by placing the filter in the cap and rinsing with hot water. Fill the plunger with hot water, add ground coffee to the AeroPress, stir, and plunge! Micro-filtered too, this coffee maker produces smooth, rich, and grit-free coffee, both BPA and phthalate-free for your peace of mind.

The AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press boasts a space-saving, easy-to-clean design, taking compact coffee brewing to a new level. Go big on brew without the bitterness, and enjoy 1-3 cups of hot coffee in a minute and cold brew in under two! The entire unit including accessories is designed to fit inside the mug, doubling as a carry case that fits snug in your rucksack, travel pack, or desk drawer.

For the Bolder Brews

Wacaco Nanopresso Espresso Machine and Barista Kit

Sans the milk wand, the innovative Nanopresso delivers a full-bodied brew on those lightweight adventures. Credit: Wacaco

Pat Benatar once said ‘hit me with your best shot’ – so Wacaco introduced this fully equipped espresso machine!

Sans the milk wand, the innovative Nanopresso delivers a full-bodied brew on those lightweight adventures. With optional accessories for adapting to both ground and capsule coffee, this gadget is both ergonomic and lightweight in design – sitting comfortably in the palm of your hand and snug in your camp kit. It’s capable of reaching up to 18 bars of stable pressure during extraction, guaranteeing top-quality, rich espresso on the rocks. An 80ml water tank paired with the efficient filter design also ensures fuss-free maintenance.

The Nanopresso Barista Kit takes portable coffee at the campsite to another platform, bundling even more kit bits into the handheld, ergonomically designed pod. With a 140mL water tank, a larger espresso cup, two double and one single espresso filter baskets each with a cap, a double espresso adapter ring, tamper, and instruction manual – the Barista Kit is the portable coffee cart catering for however you take your cuppa.

Your compact short black contraption, the Nanopresso delivers prime espresso beyond the matt black café table.

For the Campfire Coffees

Campfire Enamel Coffee Pot 2L

Experience the rustic, pared-back way of the outback – like coffee on the campfire. Credit: Campfire

Barista-style brew beyond the cafe bench is really something – but there are reasons why we camp, and one of them is to experience the rustic, pared-back way of the outback.

Like coffee on the campfire!

The 2L Enamel Coffee Pot from Campfire boasts an enamel-coated steel construction with a stylish speckled finish and a side handle for easy transferring. Its spout ensures a neat pour, with a handle on the lid for checking the progress of your hot water.

For the Capsule Cuppas

Wacaco Minipresso GR and GR2 Espresso Machines

Enjoy liquid gold from a coffee capsule on every outdoor getaway. Credit: Wacaco

The only thing that should feel the pressure of achieving top-quality coffee at camp is your coffee pod… and maybe your ears, if you’re camping high enough in the mountaintops.

The NS Minipresso portable espresso machine takes Nespresso® original capsules and those alike, having it both convenient and mess-free for those alfresco cuppas. Producing up to 45mL of espresso, simply pop a compatible capsule into the head outlet, add hot water to the water tank, unlock the piston, pump a few strokes to pressurise it – and enjoy liquid gold on every outdoor getaway.

The intuitive GR Minipresso unit is equally as easy to use. Add ground coffee into the filter basket, apply light pressure to level out the grind, and pour hot water into the tank. The next steps mirror that of the NS, producing up to 50ml of espresso that fills the built-in cup for that convenient coffee fix off the grid.

For Compact Cooking

GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Maker (Single and 4-Cup)

This coffee maker fits the bill for the coffee fiends of the field! Credit: GSI Outdoors

For a piping hot cup at your next hiking spot, the Stainless Steel Mini Espresso Maker from GSI Outdoors is designed to be lightweight yet rugged.

Capable of brewing up to four double shots in minutes, it fits the bill for the coffee fiends of the field! Its rugged 18/8 stainless steel construction has it bearing the rough and tumble at the bottom of the pack, fitting snugly in your hiking rucksack or with your camp kitchen kit. This compact coffee cranker is also available in a 4-Cup set and, at 233g, is weightier than others mentioned in this blog – but true coffee addicts will bear the extra load for a quality cup of a joe!

For the No-Bean, All-Leaf, Full-Steam Tea Drinkers

Campfire Billy Teapot (Stainless Steel and Aluminium)

Built for bush tucker simplicity on every outdoor escape!

The Campfire Billy Teapot brings outback simplicity to boiling water at basecamp! Available in two sizes across stainless steel or aluminium, with a no-drip spout and heat-resistant handle for burn-free pouring – this durable billy heats water quick-smart over fire or stove. From brewing morning cuppas to heating dishwater, this lightweight, affordable camp essential is built for bush tucker simplicity on every outdoor escape!

For Those Campfire Conversations

Campfire Coffee Percolator 6-Cup

Your steaming stimulant from the comfort of the summit. Credit: Campfire

Offering your steaming stimulant from the comfort of the summit, you’ll want to be the first camper awake at daybreak with this coffee kit!

Thanks to its two-piece percolator system and precision parts, enjoy easy, efficient brewing – and with a 6-cup capacity, fix up fresh brew for the whole crew! A seamless, stainless-steel construction and wooden handle offer durability and exceptional percolator performance for warmer mornings by the campfire coals.

Featuring a stylish glass seeing knob too, this percolator is for the true coffee front men and women of their camping band!

For the Ultralight Drop

Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Pour Over and GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip

Essential for coffee lovers from sunrise campsite cuppas to sunset trail nightcaps! Credit: Sea to Summit

The Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Pour Over delivers perfect coffee anywhere. Its collapsible design fits most mugs and bottles, holding 30g of coffee grounds per serving. The fine stainless steel mesh retains grounds while allowing flavorful oils to pass through, creating rich brews. Ultralight and packable, it’s essential for coffee lovers from sunrise campsite cuppas to sunset trail nightcaps.

For a taste of the trail, without the tedious setup – the Ultralight Java Drip by GSI delivers those magic mountaintop moments in a mug, bar all the bulk! Boasting compact, lightweight, and low-profile designs, the Java Drip bodes well for convenient packing and easy storage on every lightweight escape. Made of nylon and polypropylene for a featherlight 11-gram weight, this dripper also features sturdy legs that adapt to almost any mug independent of the unit, designed to hold the drip cone above your coffee.

It’s about time you got the best out of your brew beyond your home kitchen coffee setup! Credit: GSI Outdoors

Which camp coffee maker gets you up in the morning (literally)? Let us know in the comments!

The post Coffee Makers for Camping: 2025 Review appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep161- Ghost Camping Crackdown and a Camping Fee Overhaul

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 19 May 2025 17:48:22 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

No-shows, know-hows, and new fees: the camping reservation revolution…

In an episode as haunting as it is helpful, Ben and Lauren unpack the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s proposed camping fee reforms, from new facility-based pricing tiers to the crackdown on ‘ghost camping’ – the frustrating practice of booking sites that go unused. Our outdoor experts examine the results of the 2022 survey that sparked these changes, debate the effectiveness of various booking systems, and share their own approaches to responsible reservation practices.

From Ben’s unwritten campers’ code to comparing cancellation policies across Australia, tune in for an honest conversation about balancing access, affordability, and accountability in our cherished natural spaces.

Tune in for an honest conversation about balancing access, affordability, and accountability in our cherished natural spaces.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:17 – Camping Fees Reformed: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

04:53 – Hipcamp

06:33 – Booking Systems

09:21 – 2022 Survey Topics of Note

10:41 – Fees and Charges

12:07 – The Proposal: Facility-Based Fees

14:40 – Unpacking the 6 Tiers: Inclusions and Party Numbers

17:34 – Cancellations

18:42 – Ghost Camping Crackdown

24:40 – Lauren’s Approach to Ghost Camping

29:05 – Last Minute Changes and Cancellations

30:50 – An Unsaid Campers’ Code!

35:25 – Addressing Ghost Camping as the Primary Issue

39:10 – Cancellation Policies in VIC, QLD, SA, and WA

41:13 – Speculative Bookings

43:33 – Lauren’s Key to Preventing Ghost Camping

45:25 – Feedback Due on May 25

46:10 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Hipcamp

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep161- Ghost Camping Crackdown and a Camping Fee Overhaul appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Camp Stretchers & Beds for 2025

Snowys Staff — Tue, 13 May 2025 14:52:22 +0000

Are your knees not quite how they used to be? Does the ground just not do it for you?

Not only do camp stretchers allow clearance from the cold tent floor, but offer some height when collapsing all the way down or hoisting all the way up is far too much effort! For those those wishing to maximise room, they’re also popular for providing valuable storage space underneath. Some campers also get the heebie-jeebies over potential creepy crawlies exploring their bedding at ground level!

All reasons are valid, and one’s choice in a stretcher boils down to durability, stability, ease-of-use, a packed size that fits in with your transport capabilities, and – most importantly – finding one that is the right size for your tent!

Let’s get stuck into which camp stretchers and beds have been our best-sellers over the past 12 months! This list holds no incentives or brand bias; it’s our customers who have done the talking. We’ve simply crunched the numbers to find out which stretchers and beds have come out on top, based on the sales volumes both online and instore at Snowys.

Starting at Number 10…

10. Oztent RS-1S King Single Stretcher (Series 2)

The ever-popular RS-1S King Single stretcher from Oztent is, despite once being number 3, still keeping campers happy across the country.

Use it on its own or chuck a swag on top, as this stretcher has anti-sway bars to keep it stable. It also features integrated straps that anchor your swag, and is a perfect fit with Oztent’s RS-1 Swag – and at over 1m wide and 2m long, it can also work with most others. Not keen on a swag? No worries. You can fit two of these stretchers with space left in the middle in either the RV5 or RX5 tent!

With its smart new colour and 600D polyester fabric, the RS-1S Series II from Oztent is ideal for those who want a generous and versatile stretcher to use with their swag or camping mattress.

9. Quest Outdoors Fast Bed XC | Queen, Large, and Jumbo

From outdoor dozing to stargazing comfort — new to rank is the Fast Bed XC range by Quest Outdoors, delivering elevated sleep beyond the ‘burbs!

The Queen 150 boasts a luxurious 151cm width supporting 240kg for couples, while the Jumbo 90 offers 88cm of solo sprawling space. For minimalists, the 80 model provides 77cm width with a 150kg rating. All feature quick-fold systems for effortless setup and robust frames that keep you off the cold ground.

Sleep like royalty under the stars with Quest Outdoors’ answer to five-star camping comfort!

8. Helinox Cot One, High Cot One, and Lite Cot

Helinox gear is awesome, and the Cot One is a favourite among motorcycle and bicycle tourers. After comfortably maintaining its hold at #8, we think the only reason it doesn’t shoot even closer to the top spot is due to its higher price tag.

Helinox specialise in super compact gear with quality craftsmanship. This stretcher weighs just 2.3kg but has a rated capacity of 145kg due to the strong yet lightweight TH72M alloy frame. The design is easy to assemble and tension thanks to the level system. The Cot One is a classic ‘buy once, buy right’ scenario. It’s for lovers of lightweight, top-notch gear, and is just as perfect for campers looking to reduce packing load as it is for the cycle-tourer.

The ultimate backpacker’s bed — the Lite Cot by Helinox elevates sleep with feather-light intelligence! Boasting aircraft-grade aluminium alloy, Nylon 66 hubs, and premium textiles, this compact cot delivers surprising strength for motorbike tourers and hikers alike. Stretch out in lightweight luxury beyond the campfire!

For those wanting a bit more clearance from the ground, check out the High Cot One from Helinox! It’s got more than double the clearance from the ground to the Cot One, so is the answer to all those lightweight gear enthusiasts who desire a higher bed.

7. Coleman Instant Up Stretcher 1P Swagger

Stretch out in your outback hangout, with the Instant Swagger Stretcher by Coleman! With a heavy-duty frame capable of bearing up to 150 kilograms, this stretcher is for adventurers who dream big. Its simple, one-person operation has you set up and bivvied down by sunset, while its four-pin locking system enables a strong, secure connection to the separately available Instant Up 1P Swagger Tent.

Thanks to 600D polyester fabric too, withstand the wear and tear of heavy dreaming during those outback slumbers.

6. Oztent King Goanna Stretcher (Series 2)

Roll into deluxe outdoor slumber with the King Goanna Stretcher Series II by Oztent! Plush insulated foam padding and durable 600D polyester cradle you under starry skies, while mesh storage, drink and phone holders keep essentials within reach. Its sturdy steel square tubing frame supports 150kg across a generous 92cm width, with swift X-leg design for fast setup and compact storage.

Compatible with Oztent RV-4 and RV-5, this rugged stretcher ensures blissful bedtime on every adventure.

5. 23ZERO Husky 100 Stretcher

Jumping from compact and lightweight to generous and roomy – the Husky 100 from 23Zero is a big, sturdy stretcher that hit our shelves in early 2020.

It’s perfect for supporting a swag if you want to get yourself up and off the ground, and although it’s not custom made for the Bandit 900, it sure is made to measure. This stretcher weighs in at 10kg and with the frame constructed from a combination of steel and alloy, plus a PVC-backed 600D polyester sling holding up to 150kg.

23Zero knows their stuff and it’s no surprise that the Husky 100 has made our best-sellers list yet again!

4. Zempire W-Leg Stretcher V2

From kid’s sleepovers to space-conscious getaways, the W Leg stretcher from Zempire is, even at number 4, a WINNER! We’ve had them for about 4 years, and shooting their way up the rank is a testament to their quality and popularity.

Feedback from some customers has been that the first couple of setups can be a bit more work. That said, it’s worth persevering, and the initial struggle quickly eases once the 600D poly oxford fabric adjusts to being pulled taut by the frame – it’s a bit like a thick self-inflating mat that’s been compressed in manufacturing.

Compact, lightweight, and comfortable, the W Leg stretcher is well thought out and makes a great all-rounder.

3. Big Sky Stretcher Beds | Standard, Deluxe, and Compact

The good old trusty Big Sky Beds from Coleman have been accommodating campers comfortably for a very long time. Their entry-level price point always sees strong sales and they are no stranger to this list!

These stretchers have a different design from other stretchers and use a coil-sprung trampoline-style configuration. The foam mat is included and creates a super comfortable and insulated surface to rest upon. The Big Sky Beds are easy to set up and have hooped legs that are friendly on tent floors – but their larger packed dimensions can put some people off.

Available in Compact, Regular, and Deluxe sizes, these are an ideal budget-friendly choice for long term stays, or as a spare bed at home.

2. Darche XL 1400 Double Stretcher

Let’s talk about the XL 1400 Double Stretcher by Darche! Spanning a generous 1400mm wide, this stretcher offers rugged wrigglers superior space with a no-middle-bar design for literal undivided attention from your loved one. The 600D laminated polyester fabric with PVC panels delivers supportive comfort, while a powder-coated steel and alloy frame ensures rock-solid stability.

Setup is swift with a 3-step process, making this stretcher the perfect cradle for bigger swags and camping couples!

1. OZtrail Easy Fold Stretcher Beds

Taking the gong for yet another consecutive year – OZtrail’s Easy Fold Stretcher Beds are a trusty favourite and boast a string of 5-star reviews! There are 4 sizes to choose from – Single, Low Rise Single, Jumbo and Queen.

These stretchers come with a few added extras such as storage pockets on the side and an under-bed gear hammock. There are no bars for your feet to kick across the ends, and they have a 150kg weight rating. As with most double stretchers, the Queen does feature a bar down the middle for necessary structural support, but if you add a couple of mattresses you can still snuggle with your partner without the bar digging in.

If you’re looking for an easy, stable, no fuss stretcher for general camping, the OZtrail Easy Fold Stretchers are a stellar choice. There is, however, a strong trend towards lightweight gear and with that OZtrail are starting to consider lighter-weight alternatives for their stretcher range. In 2021, they released their aluminium framed stretchers in Large and Jumbo, and despite these not having the easy-fold feature, they are passed with a 25 mm Square Kinetic Hardened Aluminium frame. We wonder whether this new design and lighter weight might be popular enough to bump the Easy-Fold from first place..?

What to Watch: OZtrail Anywhere Single and Queen Bed

Why bring a stretcher and an air mattress when you can have the best of both worlds with OZtrail’s Anywhere Beds? These beds are an alterative to stretchers, representing an airbed-stretcher hybrid!

Sporting a durable heavy-duty PVC air mattress on top of an easy-to-set-up steel frame, packing your sleeping gear for a weekend away is super easy. The air mattress also sits inside a flannel pocket to both protect and add comfort. The built-in pillow and the ergonomic feet are also designed to go easy on your tent floor, while a side organiser keeps your gear and gadgets right where you need them. Its generous length also has it a great option for taller users.

Be it your living room, or a touring tent – the Anywhere Single and Queen Beds from OZtrail is a simple and comfy sleeping solutions!

What are your predictions for next year’s best-sellers?

The post Best Camp Stretchers & Beds for 2025 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep160 – Decoding LP Gas & Choosing a Stove

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 12 May 2025 21:06:15 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Fueling your flames: the gas-tronomy of camp cooking…

Our gear gurus demystify LP gas and camping stoves, breaking down the crucial differences between high-pressure sizzlers and low-pressure simmers.

In a fired-up discussion, Ben and Lauren go from propane, n-butane, and isobutane science, to practical connections, canister considerations, and selecting stoves that best suit your style of camp cuisine. Tune in for a technical yet digestible guide to understanding why your flame might fizzle at altitude or freeze in colder conditions!

Our gear gurus break down the crucial differences between high-pressure sizzlers and low-pressure simmers!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

03:55 – Ben’s Episode Overview

04:22 – Thanks, Tugboat!

07:33 – High Pressure Vs Low Pressure Stoves

08:43 – Low Pressure Stoves: How Regulators Work

11:43 – Maintaining a Steady Gas Output: From 800kPa to 2.75kPa!

12:02 – The Effect of External Temperature

12:49 – High Pressure Stoves: No Regulator

13:59 – kPa of Single-Use Propane Cylinders?

15:25 – What Exactly is LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas)?

16:28 – Propane: External Temperatures, Internal Pressure, and Boiling Points

17:28 – N-Butane and Isobutane: External Temperatures, Internal Pressure, and Boiling Points

22:20 – Connecting the Right Gas to the Right Stove

24:04 – Weather Performance

26:59 – Cylinder and Canister Types

33:39 – Choosing a Stove

42:14 – Accessories

43:30 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands and Products:

All Coleman stoves

Coleman HyperFlame FyreKnight Camping Stove

Coleman Cascade 3 in 1 – 2 Burner Stove

Coleman Peak 1 Trekking Stove

All Companion stoves

Companion 2 Burner High Output Stove

Companion Wok Cookers

Companion stove windshields

All Dometic stoves

Dometic Cadac 2 Cook 3 Pro Deluxe 2 Burner Stove

All Jetboil stoves

MSR PocketRocket Hiking Stoves

Stove stands

Blogs & Podcasts:

Blogs:

Understanding Gas for Camping and Caravan Stoves & Appliances – by Ben Collaton

Podcasts:

Ep83 – LCC27 Gas Regulations: The New Standards

Other:

LG Accounting Solutions

Australian Gas Association

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep160 – Decoding LP Gas & Choosing a Stove appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep159 – Bedrolls for Camping

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 05 May 2025 16:49:13 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Bedrolls for bushcraft: when simplicity beats sophistication…

Ben and Lauren unfold the timeless charm of bedroll camping for those seeking simplicity under the stars. From envelope-style swags to canvas-covered mats and sturdy stretcher beds, our gear gurus roll through both commercial options and clever DIY solutions for every budget and backroad.

Covering practical aspects of different designs, tune in for an overall glimpse at minimalist sleeping arrangements that reconnect you with camping’s rugged roots while still delivering a decent night’s rest.

Ben and Lauren roll through both commercial options and clever DIY solutions for every budget and backroad.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

04:12 – Best Options for a Bedroll Sleeping Arrangement

06:07 – Pole-Free, Envelope-Style Swags

07:39 – Canvas-Covered Sleeping Mats

08:34 – Stretcher Beds

09:34 – If Money Was No Objection…

10:38 – Ben and Lauren’s DIY Bedroll Suggestions

14:03 – Yoga Mats Vs Canvas

15:18 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands and Products:

23ZERO Dual Swags

Darche Dusk to Dawn Swags

Explore Planet Earth Pegasus Deluxe Stretcher

Zempire W-Leg Stretcher Bed V2

Helinox Cot One Camp Stretch

Blogs & Podcasts:

Blogs:

Sleep Options for the Restless Camper

How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag

Best Sleeping Mats for Camping: 2025 Review

Toasty Tips for a Warmer Sleep

Podcasts:

Ep91 – Selecting Your Dream Sleeping Mat

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep159 – Bedrolls for Camping appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep158 – Camping Clothes, Hats, & Shoes for All Weather

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 01:12:32 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From boots to beanies, Ben and Lauren unpack the camping gear on the cusp of convenient and comfy…

Our outdoor experts wade into the footwear debate, untangle cotton versus synthetic, and reveal why merino wool is Best On (Camp)Ground for all-round, all-weather performance.

From mozzie-deterrent strategies to the unexpected uses of dishwashing gloves, the focus remains on adaptable and practical camp clothing. Tune in for an essential guide to resilient outdoor attire – your first line of defense against the elements in unpredictable weather!

Tune in for an essential guide to resilient outdoor attire!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:36 – Clothing Recommendations for Camping in All Weather

02:49 – Lauren’s Footwear Stance

03:43 – Ben’s Footwear Selections

05:40 – Crocs, Tevas, and Standard Flip-Flops

07:34 – Shorts and Long Pants

08:42 – Cotton Vs Synthetic

09:22 – Managing Milder Weather

10:36 – Packing and Dressing for Comfort

11:37 – Managing Mozzies

12:43 – Merino Wool

13:33 – Gloves, Beanies, and Hats

16:30 – Merino Liners and… Dishwashing Gloves?!

17:10 – Fleece and Jackets

19:30 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands and Products:

Blogs & Podcasts:

Blogs:

Tips for Packing & Travelling Like a Minimalist

Podcasts:

Ep8 – Dealing With Wind & Rain When Camping

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep158 – Camping Clothes, Hats, & Shoes for All Weather appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep157 – How to Store a Self-Inflating Mat

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:50:19 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Putting it all out in the open(cell): the mat storage methods that matter!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack the proper storage techniques for self-inflating sleeping mats, addressing the critical balance between compression damage and storage space. Our gear gurus explain the science behind foam cell recovery, differences between bonded and single-layer mats, and practical solutions for preserving your mat’s loft and longevity.

From Ben’s space-saving suggestions to Lauren’s maintenance tips – tune in for a concise guide to ensuring your sleeping mat remains comfortable for countless adventures to come.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack the proper storage techniques for self-inflating sleeping mats.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:40 – Ben’s New Favourite Snack?!

02:59 – How to Store a Self-Inflating Mat

03:36 – The Result of Compressing

04:36 – Bonded Mats

05:10 – The General Rule: Store it Uncompressed

05:57 – Managing Space

06:07 – Ben’s Recommendation

06:59 – Lauren’s Tips for Mat Care

08:26 – Storing Your Mat Loosely Compressed

09:38 – Thanks, Kelly!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Self-inflating camping mats

Self-inflating hiking mats

Blogs & Podcasts:

Blogs:

Best Sleeping Mats for Camping: 2025 Review

Podcasts:

Ep91 – Selecting Your Dream Sleeping Mat

Lightweight sleeping bags

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep157 – How to Store a Self-Inflating Mat appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep156 – How Long We’d Last on ‘Alone’ and Our 10 Must-Have Items

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:21:12 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From bushcraft to breaking point…

Ben and Lauren tackle the ultimate outdoor enthusiast’s question: how long would they last on the survival show ‘Alone’? Our gear gurus dive into both the physical and psychological challenges of true isolation, while revealing their personal top 10 survival items.

This episode covers everything from fishing and hunting gear to sleep and hygiene considerations, peppered with plenty of candid self-assessment of their survival skills! Tune in for an entertaining glimpse into what separates gear knowledge from true survival expertise, and whether our hosts have what it takes to endure the outdoors – completely alone.

Tune in for an entertaining glimpse into whether our hosts have what it takes to endure the outdoors – completely alone.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:33 – Shout Out to Jack!

03:37 – How Long Would We Last on ‘Alone’ (and What Are Our 10 Must-Have Items)?

04:50 – Fish Talk

06:13 – The Psychological Pressure of Being Alone

08:08 – Lauren’s Answer

09:20 – Ben’s Must-Have Items

11:15 – The ‘Alone’ Gear List

13:37 – Sleeping Gear and Hygiene

14:24 – Hunting Items

15:16 – Ben and Lauren’s Top Ten Items

17:31 – Summary

18:55 – Thanks, Heather!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Cast iron camp ovens

Steel camp oven

Multi-functional knives

Campfire Tin Billy

Tarps

Blogs & Podcasts:

Blogs:

Introducing Kate Grarock

Podcasts:

Ep55 – Food for Adventure with Kate Grarock

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep156 – How Long We’d Last on ‘Alone’ and Our 10 Must-Have Items appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Camping Swags for 2025

Snowys Staff — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:16:42 +0000

Last year, we saw a melting pot of versatile sleeping setups tick every swag-specific box – and while they all had enough swagger to make the top ten rank, some models even prompted us to ask:

‘Is that really a swag?’

The debate continues, where some still argue that the swag/tent design trend – AKA, the ‘swent’ – isn’t a genuine swag! Is the jury still out? Are our sales still favouring one over the other – or both in one?! When it comes to buying a swag, there are 3 factors in hot demand:

Ventilation
Versatility, and
Durability!

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the roundup of our best-selling swags, based on the last 12 months of sales…

10. Darche Air-Volution AD 900 and 1400 Swags

Making an appearance in our list for the third year in a row are the Air-Volution AD Swags from Darche. With countless 5-star reviews, it’s no wonder they’ve scored a ranking yet again!

This design comes in the 900, 1100, and 1400, and instead of using traditional poles for structure and stability, it’s got a puncture resistant inflatable system. ‘Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it’, they say! With none of the usual poles to assemble, you can have this swag set up in under 20 seconds using the high capacity hand pump. It’s super quick to deflate, fully seam sealed, has two-way entry, full zip head and foot windows, and all the quality you expect from Darche.

The Air-Volution AD is a stellar choice for the tourer, or someone who wants a swag that’ll last (which is, uh, everyone?)!

9. OZtrail Sundowner 900 and 1550 Swags

Well, well, well, look what just swaggered it’s way into the top ten for 2025! Straight out of their Overlander range – and our 2024 What to Watch category – OZtrail are rolling onwards and upwards in the swag game with their Sundowner range, available in 900 and 1550 models with an optional awning too.

The compact and all-too-secure bedroom in a bag – the robust, seam-sealed, 420gsm ripstop polycotton canvas construction and 600gsm PVC bucket floor bear the rough and tumble of outback brutality and withstand wet weather. Climatech technology and gusseted end windows allow adequate airflow, while SkyMesh roof panels provide both superior ventilation and an unparalleled, magical view of the outback night. Boasting a wide body and freestanding design, vertical walls also provide plenty of space for the bigger dreamers, or just your baggage. Light up the night with flexible internal LED lighting, featuring OZtrail’s renouned Lumos technology, and keep your camp kit together in a 6-panel flexi storage system for ultimate organisation. A high-density mattress with added protection also features a removable luxe flannel cover for plush, supple comfort.

The OZtrail Sundowner Swag truly is your humble, outback abode away from home – and we reckon next year’s numbers will see it climbing the ranks again in 2026!

8. Darche Dirty Dee 900, 1100, and 1400 CP Swags

The Darche Dirty Dee is no stranger to this list. This swag has a really simple set up, is a slightly lighter weight, and comes in three sizes: 900, 1100 and 1400.

Two ridge poles and three hooped cross-poles allow for a freestanding design that offers a multitude of full mesh doors and windows. It’s made with 420gsm poly-cotton canvas with a tough PVC base, and a comfortable 7cm high-density foam mattress. In 2020, Darche released their Hutch accessory, which has a universal fit with most swags, but is a perfect match for the Dirty Dee 1100.

Like an old faded pair of jeans that just keeps on giving, the Dirty Dee has been around for years. It’s durable, and suitable for all-season camping.

7. 23ZERO Duke 1400 and 1600 Swags

The Duke is the perfect sundown setup.

A convenient four-way entry, extensive internal space, and freestanding design has the 1400 and 1600 models the mightiest mobile homes! Seek relief from insects and soak in serenity thanks to a super-fine mesh and cross flow ventilation, while climate control features include a zip-down canvas, all-weather gusseted canopies, and a fully seam-sealed construction. With four all-weather awnings too, these swags throws serious shade (without the attitude)!

Battling the beaten track by your side for years to come thanks to self-repairing spiral zips for ultimate security too – rough it in rustic royalty, with the Duke 1400 and 1600 swags by 23ZERO.

6. 23ZERO Bandit 900, 1100, and 1400 Swags

Slipping to Number 6 this year, the Bandit swag from 23Zero nonetheless continues to receive rave reviews. At the time of writing this blog, there are a total of 85x 5-star ratings across all three sizes – the 900, 1100 and 1400.

Made to last, the Bandit is a sturdy and versatile three-hoop design that offers a flexible 4-way entry. The two ridge poles give it that freestanding ability which is in such hot demand, and it’s made from 400gsm poly-cotton canvas with a durable urethane coating on the underside. The base is a heavy-duty PVC welded floor and it comes with a really comfortable 7cm high-density foam mattress.

The Bandit is up there with the best and is ideal for campers needing a reliable swag throughout the year.

5. 23ZERO Outbreak 1550 Double Swag

Spacious, freestanding, and comfortable – the Outbreak is designed for off-track touring on those two-wheeled expeditions!

With a tightly-woven and proofed canvas construction, this swag has enough room for two and enough leftover for gear, too! Fully seam-sealed, its heavy-duty PVC bucket floor protects from the ground up, while a super-fine mesh window either end provides ventilation and zip-down canvas walls bode better for wet conditions. A 4-way entry makes for easy coming and going, with scenic 360-degree views and plenty of room for the essentials.

4. Darche Nebula 1550 and Nebula+ 1550 (with 70mm Mattress)

The incredibly roomy Darche’s Nebula and Nebula+ has been a favourite for years.

Both have all 3 of those ‘in demand’ factors – ventilation, versatility, and durability. Plus, they can be fully opened up to offer 360-degree views! The Nebula + 1550’s hybrid design allows room for two wrigglers, with storm covers that couple as an awning so you can draw out your outback hangout. Darche has always maintained gold standard after-sales support, and some might argue that their exceptional reputation over a longer period of time gives it the slight edge over other brands. Feedback from our Warranties team is that the Nebula model is one of their favourites in regards to very few issues, top-notch quality, and after sales service.

For campsite comradery on every adventure, the Nebula 1550 and Nebula+ 1550 are swag baggage built for blissful outback slumbers. Watch our YouTube videos on the features here, then have a read of the reviews and Q&A’s. Nothing beats feedback from fellow swaggies!

3. 23ZERO Woof Den Dog Swag

This swag’s a little more… well, ruff around the edges. Yep, the 23ZERO Woof-Den Dog Swag is the most paw-sible option for your camping comrade!

Its simple set-up and pack-down are owed to 19-millimetre coated segment poles and an easy-use aluminum adjustable ridge rod, holding taut the panels of 320gsm proofed plain weave poly-cotton canvas to withstand the rough and tumble. Avoid the hotdogs with PVC-coated poly, super-fine, zippered insect mesh, and appreciate adequate ventilation in claggy climates. When it’s raining cats and dogs, heavy-duty PVC bucket flooring and seam-sealed construction keeps your doggy dry, while number-ten heavy core-spiral, self-repairing poly zips beat the outback brutality.

From the rustic huskies to the terriers that tear up the terrain – the Woof-Den Dog Swag is the kennel for ruff-ing it rural!

2. Darche Dusk to Dawn 900, 1100, and 1400 CP Swags

Back to its solid position in second place is Darche’s Dusk to Dawn – a swag that will never lose favour.

This is the kind of swag you buy for an 18th birthday gift, knowing that in another 50 years it’ll have a whole lot of stories to tell! Available in 900, 1100 or the double size 1400, it has two huge full-length doors that roll completely open. This swag is perfect for campers who like to feel the cool breeze across their face at night. If not rolled up or zipped down, the storm flaps can be extended as awnings with a couple of optional poles. This leaves the large superfine mesh doors on each side offering virtually unimpeded views of the night sky. It has an easy pitch two-hoop design with a ridgepole that has it freestanding, and is made with Darche’s tough 420gsm canvas and a PVC floor.

The Dusk to Dawn has long been a favourite and consistent best-seller ever since it was released. Darche knows how to do swags – and this one will last a lifetime!

1. 23ZERO Dual 900, 1100, and 1400 Swags

From Number 6 in 2021, to a solid third place in 2022, to finally taking the crown in 2023, to proudly standing its ground in 2024, AND again this year – it’s clear that the Dual Swag from 23Zero is more popular than ever!

It’s another freestanding design, with two-way entry and a hassle-free setup. All three sizes – 900, 1100, and 1400 – are made from 400gsm poly-cotton canvas with a polyurethane coating. The HF welded PVC bucket floor delivers protection from the ground up, and the oversized storage bag allows you to keep your bedding inside while it’s rolled up.

The Dual Swag receives loads of great reviews and, having outranked the Dusk to Dawn, many customers deliberate between the two.

OZtrail are rolling onwards and upwards in the swag game with the Sundowner range. Image: OZtrail

What to Watch:

Tilda Outdoors: The Rosie & The Matilda

Weekends are for the girls – and Tilda founders Maddy and Kali have taken crowded rooftop bars, cocktails, and canapes, and re-written the narrative to instead tell a story of star-studded outback skies, hot chocolate, and campfires.

Once reliant on the boys to bear the bulk of their camp setup on group getaways, the pair quickly identified the minimal affiliation that femininity had with the rough and tumble of the great outdoors. Fueled by the desire to do more outdoors and inspired by the idea of being independent as much as included, Tilda was born – a kick-butt initiative that has marked only the beginning of an ever-building confidence in camping among women.

Be it the Rosie or Matilda, Tilda products stand up to not only abrasive outdoor elements, but any preconceived idea about girls with gumption who get. It. DONE! Their swags don’t swagger, they strut – sporting robust materials, tough componentry, and a clever setup design.

From the wildlife women to the girls who run the world, Tilda is all of us! We’re confident that these backcountry beauties will slay their way into the top ten in 2026.

Be it the Rosie or Matilda, Tilda products stand up to abrasive outdoor elements. Pictured: The Rosie Swag

Ben and Lauren chat with Tilda Outdoors co-founder Maddy Bockett on the Snowys Camping Show:

Want more on the ‘swag, tent, or “swent”‘ debate? Check out this episode of the Snowys Camping Show:

What do you think is the best camping swag?

The post Best Camping Swags for 2025 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Tackling the Oodnadatta Track

Barry Peters — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:15:42 +0000

Port Augusta to Lyndhurst (297km)

135 years ago, visionaries dreamed of a ribbon of steel linking the north and south of the country. Called the Great Northern Railway, but later simply known as ‘The Ghan’, the first sod was turned at Port Augusta on the 18th of January, 1878.

Those visionaries wouldn’t have envisioned that the first passenger train undertaking the journey from Port Augusta to Darwin wouldn’t arrive until the 4th of February, 2004 – 126 years after construction began. I guess you can’t rush these things!

For the adventurous traveller interested in a very significant part of our history, the section of this railway between Port Augusta and Alice Springs provides a brilliant insight into the hardships and magnificent achievements associated with this engineering masterpiece.

A significant length of the railway runs alongside another great Australian icon, the Oodnadatta Track. Even though this track does not officially start until Marree, the Old Ghan began its often arduous journey from Port Augusta.

Conditions of the Track

Luckily for the modern day traveller, this trip is pretty easy going for anyone with a 4WD or SUV, with the dirt section of the track north of Lyndhurst being well maintained.

The only exception to this is with the advent of rain when the track can become quickly impassable and is closed by the road authorities to prevent damage.

Caravans set up for dirt road travel should not have too much trouble, although corrugations can be rugged at times. Camper trailers are a common sight along the track.

Once you reach Oodnadatta there are several options if you wish to continue on to Alice Springs, however, to follow the Old Ghan route requires high-clearance, dual-range 4WDs. Fortunately, there are other options.

Travelling the Oodnadatta Track is a surprisingly accessible adventure and this extensive blog will provide you with the information to confidently give it a go – it’s your one-stop shop for a successful trip!

Significance in Australian History

This trek can immerse you in some of the most significant aspects of Australian history. The rich indigenous culture can be discovered, particularly in Port Augusta, Marree, and Oodnadatta. The ochre pits just north of Lyndhurst are a graphic reminder of the aboriginal trade routes that crisscrossed this area and the importance of these coloured soils in aboriginal culture. This is the area covered by John McDouall Stuart on his famous attempt to cross the continent from South to North, and return successfully.

It is along this route that the groundbreaking Overland Telegraph Line was established, with some of the telegraph stations still standing and accessible. The Old Ghan railway line is now largely gone but the embankment and regular station and siding ruins will be a constant reminder of the enormous feat of engineering involved in making this connection to Alice Springs.

One can only wonder why it took another 100 years for the connection between Alice Springs and Darwin to be made. You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the incredible achievements of the indigenous and European peoples who settled in these areas.

What Will You See?

From the top of Spencer Gulf to the northern section of the Flinders Ranges, a few days can easily be spent exploring museums, rail heritage, and some magnificent natural beauty. Port Augusta is a major centre and the last opportunity to stock up on provisions at the major supermarkets and variety stores in town.

This town is also a major rail hub servicing the passenger and freight services north to Alice Springs and Darwin, west of Perth and east to Sydney. The enormous coal trains from Leigh Creek pull in daily to the major power station that provides much of the power for South Australia.

Once past Hawker, the magnificent Flinders Ranges rise to the east and flat desert country disappears to the horizon in the west – what a contrast. The old Ghan Railway runs right along this section, crossing the road in a couple of places.

The ruins of station buildings and sidings are quite obvious and worth a poke around. The famous Prairie Hotel at Parachilna beckons, especially if you can time your visit around a meal break. You won’t be hungry after a meal at an FMG (Feral Mixed Grill).

Copley also has a good pub and excellent caravan park. Grab a quondong pie from the bakery – delicious! Just a little further you come across Lyndhurst, and it’s time to say goodbye to bitumen.

The Towns

Port Augusta

Wadlata Visitor Centre and Museum

A wealth of information can be found here, together with an excellent display of outback heritage and indigenous culture that will set the scene for your upcoming adventure.

Arid Lands Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the garden and learn about the flora that you will encounter on your trip. You’ll gain an understanding of how these plants survive in such a harsh environment.

Port Augusta Railway Station

All trains, both passenger and freight, pass through the station – great for trainspotters. For a ride on what is left of the old Ghan line, hop on a historic Pichi Richi train that leaves from here on some weekends. See here for details.

Gladstone Square

The Historic heart of the town is now a beautiful park flanked by the old courthouse and surrounded by the CBD. This is a significant area for the local indigenous community with an interpretive pathway detailing indigenous involvement in the area.

Quorn

Quorn was a major siding on the original Ghan Railway and is now home to the Pichi Richi Railway that uses lovingly restored engines and rolling stock that once travelled these lines to take passengers on a trip into yesteryear. Again, see here for details and timetables.

Around the town are some great old buildings that hark back to the days of steam trains and a bustling rail centre. Take a walk around, you won’t be disappointed.

Hawker

Another station on the old Ghan railway, Hawker boasts a well-restored railway station that is now a restaurant and gallery. Hawker is also the gateway to the Flinders Ranges with Wilpena Pound, the heart of the Flinders, only 55km away.

Parachilna

Even if you don’t arrive here at meal time, pop in and have a look at the Prairie Hotel. There is usually some magnificent artwork on display and a coffee, cool drink, or ice-cream may well tempt you.

The Prairie is famous for its menu of feral food – so give a go to a camel burger, kangaroo steak, or perhaps a goat pie! Keep an eye out for the massive coal trains that go past twice daily.

Leigh Creek

This town was built solely to support the workers at the nearby Leigh Creek Coalfields. There are a few shops, petrol station, tavern and a caravan park, but not much else.

Copley

A stop on the old Ghan Railway that also supported the early days of the coalfields, this town is a little gem, particularly if you are looking for a place to stay overnight. The caravan park is excellent, with cabin, caravan, and camping sites, and the owners are extremely hospitable. In the cooler months, an evening campfire is provided where you can sit around, chat, and meet fellow travellers.

The park also operates the bakery, where some delicious delights are to be had. The pub is just down the street and a small store can provide basic provisions. Fuel and mechanical assistance is also available.

Lyndhurst

The last stop on the bitumen, Lyndhurst is also the turning off point for those travelling the Strezlecki Track. This is a tiny settlement with a few houses, roadhouse, and a pub. For something a bit different, travel about a kilometre up the Strezlecki Track to see Talc Alf.

You will be amazed at the carvings he does in zebra stone, and you may even become caught up in quite the conversation about the ways of the world!

Accommodation

Port Augusta

All forms of accommodation, including a fairly fancy motel!

Quorn

Several hotels and motels and a good caravan park with cabins.

Hawker

A hotel with motel rooms and two caravan parks.

Merna Mora Station

Camping and cabin accommodation.

Parachilna

The Prairie Hotel has accommodation ranging from camping to cabins, hotel rooms – and a very fancy, partly submerged, rammed earth hotel wing if you want to do it in style!

Leigh Creek

A basic caravan park and motel.

Copley

An excellent caravan park with camping, caravan sites and cabins.

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst Hotel offers hotel rooms, converted rail carriages, camping, and a caravan park.

Side Trips

The most significant side trip in this section is to the Flinders Ranges. The road to Wilpena and Blinman starts at Hawker and takes you through the heart of the Flinders and some of the most spectacular scenery the area has to offer. To get a really good feel for the area, take the road to Wilpena and then go through Brachina Gorge to meet the next section of this trek 70km north of Hawker. Allow at least several hours to enjoy this 110km detour.

Another alternative is to continue past Wilpena to Blinman and then travel through the Parachilna Gorge to re-join the main trek at Parachilna, 90km north of Hawker. This 153km detour provides magnificent scenery and a chance to look around the old copper mining town of Blinman and, if the time is right, enjoy a ‘Big Blinman Burger’ at the Blinman Pub.

Merna Mora Station has some 4WD tracks through their property, one of which will take you to Lake Torrens. There is a fee to travel these tracks, but 4WD enthusiasts may find this well worthwhile.

Just 12km north of Copley, turn east for a couple of kilometres and visit the Leigh Creek Coalfields lookout. The kids will thank you!

(UPDATE: As of September 2014 this lookout is no longer accessible.)

Along The Way

Pichi Richi Pass

The drive between Port Augusta and Quorn winds through the picturesque Pichi Richi Pass, with the old Ghan railway line your regular companion. If lucky, you may see the steam train that takes passengers between Port Augusta and Quorn.

Warren Gorge

About 10km out of Quorn, this beautiful gorge provides a nice camp spot or a beautiful picnic spot.

Gordon and Wilson

Two of the old Ghan railway sidings are just on the roadside between Quorn and Hawker and have significant ruins that are worth having a poke around.

Kanyaka Ruins

Take the signposted turnoff 32km south of Hawker to the well-preserved remains of a major sheep station.

Aboriginal Paintings

Look out for the sign and turn off about 10km south of Hawker. This will lead to a parking area and walking trail to the cave paintings. The last part of the trail is steep. Allow at least a couple of hours.

Old Ghan Railway Sidings

The old rail line runs adjacent to the road in most of this section. Look out for the ruins at Hookina, Edeowie, Brachina, Commodore and Nilpena.

It is worth getting out and wandering around at least a couple of these to marvel at the conditions of the time and also some of the beautiful stonework involved in the buildings and bridges.

Beltana

This is now basically a ghost town with only a few hardy souls enjoying the isolated life. Once a bustling mining and rail town, many of the buildings are intact and good signage explains the history. Turn off the main road 20km north of Parachilna for the 17km of dirt road into Beltana.

From there you can take the 10km road out past the Beltana Roadhouse or continue north along the 17km road through Puttapa Gap following the Old Ghan–far more picturesque.

Distances and Services

	Distance from Port Augusta	Fuel	Accommodation	Public Toilets
Quorn	41km	U,D,L	CP,H,C	Y
Hawker	107km	U,D,L	CP,H,C	Y
Merna Mora	150km		CP, C	N
Parachilna	196km		CP,H,C	Y
Leigh Creek	260km	U,D,L	CP,H,C	Y
Copley	264km	U,D	CP,H,C	Y
Lyndhurst	297km	U,D,L	CP,H,C	Y

N.B.: there is no LPG fuel available beyond Lyndhurst.

Download the Oodnadatta Track Distances and Services PDF

Maps

Hema Maps Great Desert Treks – South East
Royal Automobile Association of S.A. – Flinders Ranges and Outback

Lyndhurst to William Creek (284km)

What Will You See?

The sealed road is now behind you and for some, the real adventure begins. Moving into the heart of the South Australian outback, there is no shortage of things to see along the way, and there are some terrific places to stay overnight.

Both aboriginal and rail history feature in this section and you are now travelling along the path of the famous explorer John McDouall Stuart who, in 1862, made the first successful South to North and return crossing of our continent.

The route he pioneered was later used for the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line in 1872 and inspired the start of the construction of a south to north railway in 1878. He and his team have left a great legacy to Australia and the Stuart Highway is named after him.

During this section of the trip, you will see evidence of both of these engineering masterpieces. After arriving in Marree our trek takes us west along the Oodnadatta Track, however, Marree is also the gateway to the Birdsville Track and Lake Eyre.

Track Condition and Hazards

Generally, this section of track is in pretty good condition – but expect some stony and corrugated sections. Keep your eye out for kangaroos, emus, and wandering stock, and watch out for wedge-tailed eagles soaring above looking for their next feed.

Eagles feasting on road-kill can be a real hazard as they are reluctant to leave a feed and are slow to take off when a vehicle approaches. Slow down and sound your horn to avoid a collision.

Always travel with lights on to ensure maximum visibility. Dust often hangs and drivers often travel on the wrong side of the track to avoid hazards.

The Towns

Farina

Just 24km north of Lyndhurst the turn-off to Farina appears. Apart from the owners and staff of the nearby Farina Station, no one lives in this town. However, do not miss out on spending some time here and, if possible, stay overnight at the campground.

This town is a testament to what can be achieved when a group of civic-minded people get together to ensure an important part of our history does not just disintegrate into the desert.

You can easily spend a couple of nights here and use the day to explore the town – it is like a walk back in time.

Marree

Once a major railhead for moving stock from the surrounding sheep and cattle stations, Marree is now home to an aboriginal community and the descendants of the Afghan cameleers who moved freight around large areas of the outback.

Being the start of perhaps Australia’s most famous outback stock route, the Birdsville Track, the town is now well visited by tourists wanting to travel this route, undertake the trek to Oodnadatta or visit the shores of Lake Eyre.

A few of the old Ghan diesel locomotives can be seen in the town centre and the old Afghan mosque is just opposite the roadhouse.

Coward Springs

Not really a town, this campground situated 114km from Marree is a pretty good place to stop overnight. Established around one of the Old Ghan Rail sidings, with a couple of the original buildings being restored, this is a good place to get a good feel for the history of the area.

A museum in one of the restored buildings is well worth a look. There is even a natural artesian “hot tub” where you can soak away any aches and pains.

William Creek

Originally another rail siding, William Creek now houses a well-known pub, campground, airfield and not much else. The pub is certainly the centre of activity and a drink at the bar or meal in the dining room is something to be remembered.

Across the road from the pub is a collection of rail artefacts and space junk as this area is well within the Woomera Rocket Range.

Accommodation

Farina has a beaut campground with very reasonable fees and provides flushing toilets and a hot shower (if you light the ‘donkey‘). There is plenty of room and campfires are allowed with wood available from the nearby station.

Marree provides a good range of accommodation with caravan parks and a hotel providing everything from camping to well-appointed cabins.

Coward Springs has a well-established campground with good toilets, hot wood-fired showers, and spacious sites. Campfires are allowed and most sites have fire pits. This campground is not open in the summer months.

William Creek provides hotel and motel rooms at the pub and cabin, caravan, and camping sites at the caravan park.

Side Trips

A few kilometres past Marree is a turnoff heading north-west to Muloorina and Lake Eyre. This is a great side trip if you have the time. A reasonable dirt track will take you the 54km to Muloorina Station. Here you will find a top little campground right on the edge of a permanent waterhole.

A further 45km along a sandy track will see you arrive at Madigan Gulf on the southern shore of Lake Eyre. A vista of shimmering salt extends to the horizon. You are only seeing a tiny fraction of this massive lake. This is the site of Donald Campbell’s famous attempts at the world land speed record.

On rare occasions after several years of heavy rain in outback Queensland, you may be lucky to see water in the lake. When the lake is full it becomes a mecca for birds and tourists alike.

Another opportunity to see Lake Eyre can be found 7km south of William Creek. Here you will find the 64km track to Halligan Bay on the western shores of Lake Eyre. This is a most desolate area and the track can be quite rough, so don’t venture here unless well prepared and self-reliant.

Along The Way

The Ochre Pits

Your first stop is just 5km north of Lyndhurst. A short diversion to the west will see you overlooking the stark red, yellow and white colours of the ochre that has been of great value to aboriginal peoples for millennia. Detailed signs explain the significance of this area. It is interesting that this deposit is still used today to provide ochre needed for ceremonial purposes. Please respect this area by not venturing into the pits.

Farina

Even if you are unable to stay overnight at the campground, don’t miss the opportunity to take the short track into the old Farina township. This is only 24km north of Lyndhurst. It’s an area where you can spend at least an hour wandering around.

John McDouall Stuart Memorial

Not long before arriving at Marree, what appears to be a large cross will appear on the horizon. This is located just to the east of the road. Pull in and have a look at this memorial to John McDouall Stuart. He travelled this route on his epic trek to travel from the south to the north of the continent.

Lake Eyre South

About 88km after leaving Marree you will see the shimmering white salt of Lake Eyre South. Pull in to the lookout and information shelter to get a feel for where you are – the lowest point in Australia. You are actually below sea level.

Old Ghan Rail Sidings

There are many sidings along this section but the ones particularly worth a stop are (distances are from Marree):

Alberrie Creek (53km)

The home of some of the most bizarre sculptures you are likely to see. See it to believe it!

Curdimurka (104km)

The site of the Curdimurka Outback Balls of the past. Follow the track along the line past the water softener tower to see a significant bridge over the creek, the second longest on the track.

Coward Springs (130km)

Campground and museum

Beresford (154km)

A large dam remains, built to provide water for steam trains.

Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs

Just a few kilometres before arriving at Coward Springs you come to the turn-off to the mound springs. Drive in a few kilometres to be amazed by The Bubbler and Blanches Cup, as water from the Great Artesian Basin bubbles to the surface.

Strangways Springs Ruins

Not long after passing Beresford siding (about 10km), a turnoff to the west will take you a few kilometres into the settlement of Strangways Springs. There is a sign at this intersection, so you shouldn’t miss it.

A very important part of the development of the Overland Telegraph Line, the ruins and the springs can easily occupy an hour or two wandering around and trying to imagine life here in the late 1800’s.

The area has plenty of information boards to provide a good feel for what it might have been like.

Ways Home From Here

Heading back south is the shortest, but not necessarily the quickest way home from here. Travelling 69km past Marree will find you at the intersection of the Oodnadatta Track and the Borefield Road.

This quite good dirt road will take you the 113km to Roxby Downs. From here it is sealed road all the way to Adelaide, passing through Woomera and Port Augusta.

Just 5km north of William Creek is a turnoff to the west. This 168km section of track leads to Coober Pedy on the Stuart Highway. From there sealed road will return you all the way to Adelaide.

Distances and Services

	Distance from Lyndhurst	Fuel	Accommodation	Public Toilets
Marree	80km	U,D	CP,H,C	Y
Coward Springs	210km		CP	N
William Creek	284km	U,D	CP,H,C	Y

N.B.: There is no LPG fuel available beyond Lyndhurst. Download the Oodnadatta Track Distances and Services PDF here.

Maps

Hema Maps Great Desert Treks – South East
Royal Automobile Association of S.A. – Flinders Ranges and Outback

William Creek to Oodnadatta (202km)… and Beyond!

What Will You See?

This section continues our shadowing of the route taken by John McDouall Stuart, the Overland Telegraph Line and the Old Ghan railway, at least until Oodnadatta. The track continues to be well maintained, with occasional corrugated sections and bulldust holes.

I’d recommend keeping those headlights on, reduce tyre pressures and take it easy on the speed. The Cooper Tires website has a very useful guide to appropriate tyre pressures in a range of terrains

The Towns

Oodnadatta

The namesake of this track is a reasonably well-sized town with a significant aboriginal community, government workers and business people making up the population. Among Oodnadatta’s claims to fame is as one of the hottest places in Australia – not somewhere suitable for tourists in the height of summer, but generally a delight in the cooler months. An excellent museum is housed in the old railway station and the famous Pink Roadhouse beckons for re-fuelling and an Oodnaburger and chips.

Accommodation

Algebuckina, 53km south of Oodnadatta, is the site of the most significant bridge on the Old Ghan Railway. There is good camping around the bridge area and to the east of the track along the Neales River.

Side Trips

111km north of William Creek is the 16km track to the east leading to the old Peake Telegraph Station on the original Overland Telegraph Line. There are significant remains well worth a look.

Along The Way

Old Ghan Rail Sidings

There are many sidings along this section but the ones particularly worth a stop are (distances are from William Creek):

– Edwards Creek (82km)

Look out for these ruins to the east of the track. Edwards Creek was once a major staging area on the old Ghan railway and housed a large number of rail and maintenance staff.

– Algebuckina (142km)

The old buildings are a little off to the west of the track, not long before crossing the Neales River and the Algebuckina bridge.

Old Peake Telegraph Station

111km north of William Creek is the turnoff west to the significant settlement that was the Peake Telegraph Station. This is a Public Access Route, meaning it passes through a pastoral property, so respect the track and surroundings and keep a good lookout for stock. It is important not to go near any stock watering points. The track can be rough, so a 4WD is recommended.

Algebuckina Bridge

Still the longest bridge in South Australia, this large structure took the Ghan rail line over the Neales River. At the southern end, you will see an old car wreck – said to be the result of a fool-hardy attempt to drive across the bridge when the river was in flood, only to be confronted by an oncoming train that duly bull-dozed it off the end of the bridge. On the northern end are several graves.

Ways Home From Here

A number of options are available for the traveller, depending on the time available, direction heading and type of vehicle.

If You’re Heading North…

The Oodnadatta Track continues on for 211km from Oodnadatta, meeting the Stuart Highway at Marla. From there the road is sealed all the way to Darwin. This is also a good way to go if seeing Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon are on your wish list.

It is possible to continue your love affair with the Old Ghan, fairly closely following the original rail alignment through to Alice Springs. In fact, in sections, you actually drive on top of it. This option requires a well-equipped 4WD taking you through quite isolated areas.

There is over 500km of dirt track of variable condition, taking you through Hamilton Station, Finke, and Maryvale, with fuel available at Finke and Maryvale. For the really adventurous experience, take the 45km track west from Maryvale to the historic Chambers Pillar. There is a good campground at the pillar.

Again for the adventurous, take the track north through Hamilton Station and turn off west to Mount Dare 9km north of the Eringa ruins. From Mount Dare, head north on the Old Andado Track, passing the historic Old Andado Homestead and the Aboriginal community of Santa Teresa, eventually arriving in Alice Springs.

If You’re Heading West…

Oodnadatta also a major starting point for a trip across the Simpson Desert. Attempting this requires excellent preparation, a highly equipped 4WD and the ability to be completely self-sufficient (see the 3-part blog ‘Crossing The Simpson Desert‘).

If You’re Heading South…

Southwest of Oodnadatta is the 197km track to Coober Pedy on the Stuart Highway. This is a well-made dirt road and a good way to go if travelling back to Adelaide.

Distances and Services

From William Creek to Oodnadatta is only 202km, with no towns or services on this section of the track. There are numerous camping opportunities near old rail ruins and at creek crossings.

The Final Stretch: Other Considerations

Permits

No permits are required to travel or camp along any sections of the Oodnadatta Track.

Key Contacts

Outback Road Conditions:

Phone: 1300 361 033

Website: www.dtei.sa.gov.au and follow the links.

Marree Police Station

Phone: (08) 8675 8346

Oodnadatta Police Station

Phone: (08) 8670 7805

Coward Springs Campground

Phone: 08 8675 8336

William Creek Hotel

Phone: 08 8670 7880

Pink Roadhouse Oodnadatta

Phone: (08) 86 707 822

Check out our blog for tons of outback touring information, or go to our website and set yourself up to tackle the Oodnadatta Track.

The post Tackling the Oodnadatta Track appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep155 – Which Tents Are Wind-Resistant?

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 20:50:41 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Nature’s stress test: which tent designs pass the windstorm challenge?

From boxy tents to shapes that shed the wind – Ben and Lauren sweep through what truly anchors a tent against wild winds. Our gear gurus unfold the mysteries of structural integrity, air out the differences between waterhead and wind ratings, and pitch manufacturer claims against real-world scenarios.

Tune in for their gusty guide; a whirlwind of everything from inflatable shelters and guy rope strategies to frame construction and proper pegging techniques!

From boxy tents to shapes that shed the wind – Ben and Lauren sweep through what truly anchors a tent against wild winds.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:54 – What is ‘Wind-Resistance’?

03:48 – ‘Will I Feel the Wind Sitting Inside?’

05:23 – Structural Integrity

06:02 – Waterhead Rating Vs Wind Rating

07:20 – Wind Tunnel Testing

07:50 – Air Tents

08:49 – Claims and Expectations

10:21 – Dome and Sloped Tents Vs Boxy Tents

10:47 – Fabrics

11:37 – Guy Ropes, Eyelets, and Trace Springs

14:22 – Frame Size and Construction

16:26 – Anchoring Your Tent

19:15 – Tarp-Buddies

20:02 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

Products:

Inflatable Tents

OZtrail BlockOut Lumos Tents

Coleman Instant Up Tents

Supa Peg Polycarbonate Sand Pegs

Pegs, Ropes, and Fittings

Blogs & Podcasts:

Ep8 – Dealing With Wind & Rain When Camping

Ep54 – Talkin’ Tent Pegs

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep155 – Which Tents Are Wind-Resistant? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep154 – JetBoil Stove Systems with Mike Hebert

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 02:51:17 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Where brilliance meets boiling point: inside the JetBoil phenomenon…

In this episode, Ben and Lauren’s hour-long episode bubbles over in a hot-to-go interview with JetBoil’s Mike Hebert, uncovering the brand’s revolutionary journey from concept to camp essential! Our gear gurus crank the heat on JetBoil’s evolution, exploring everything from early prototypes to engineering challenges, international standards, and the science behind those lightning-fast boil times.

Tune in for a comprehensive look at what sets the authentic product apart from imitators, feature variations across the globe, and intriguing hints about where this innovative cooking system might be heading next.

Our gear gurus crank the heat on JetBoil’s evolution.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:28 – Introducing Mike Hebert from JetBoil

03:08 – The Beginnings of JetBoil

05:23 – From the PCS to the Flash, and the Protoypes in Between

07:18 – JetBoil’s Footprint

08:37 – Timeline: From Initial Concept to Packaged Product

11:37 – Mike’s Favourite JetBoil Product

13:50 – JetBoil’s Range Review

14:36 – The Flash: Versions From 2019 to Now

14:43 – The Flash 1.0L and Zip 0.8L: Model Updates

20:18 – Improvements and Enhancements

22:40 – The Pot Support

24:09 – The Cook Pot

27:11 – ‘Light before attaching the pot’?

28:28 – Sell Us the Zip!

30:11 – Reheating Food

31:55 – Regulators

35:08 – Gas Mixers

37:55 – Engineering Challenges

40:28 – The Real Deal Vs Dupes

45:15 – International Standards

55:17 – One Product, Multiple Countries: How Many Feature Variations?

57:28 – Google: ‘Robot from Flubber’!

58:28 – Products in 2026?

58:57 – The Future of JetBoil: Inhouse or Global?

01:01:00 – BTU Rating

01:03:51 – Testing Boil Time and Gas Consumption

01:06:20 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

JetBoil

Products:

JetBoil Flash Hiking Stove

JetBoil Flash 1.0L

JetBoil Zip Hiking Stove

JetBoil Zip 0.8L

JetBoil MiniMo Cooking System with Pot Support

JetBoil Sumo Hiking Stove

JetBoil Genesis Basecamp Stove

Blogs & Podcasts:

The Basics and Best of Hiking Stoves

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep154 – JetBoil Stove Systems with Mike Hebert appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The Basics and Best of Hiking Stoves for 2025

Snowys Staff — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:12:57 +0000

Of everything on the rucksack pack list, your hiking stove is the essential bit of kit for every lightweight trip. Transforming the raw to warm and the dry to rehydrated, it becomes a comrade on a solo escape and just another mate on a group getaway.

In this blog, we touch on two types of hiking stoves, offer tips on how to make the most of their respective features, and list our top ten best-selling hiking stoves for 2025 based on the past 12 months of sales data.

Let’s crank the heat!

A hiking stove becomes a comrade on a solo escape and just another mate on a group getaway. Image: JetBoil

The Liquid Fuel Stove

Fuel

Stoves such as those by Trangia generally burn an alcohol-based fluid like methylated spirits. Others such as the WhisperLite International Multi-Fuel Stove by MSR operate with both Shellite and unleaded fuel.

Pack this fuel separately in a dedicated fuel bottle, labelled accordingly and tightly capped to prevent spillage.

Quantity of Fuel

This depends on the frequency of use – but 600mL methylated spirits for a 2-3 night hike should suffice. For the WhisperLite, for example: roughly 28mL of white gas boils just over 1L of water, while the same volume of kerosene boils just over 1.5L.

Operation

This is simple: first, decant a small volume of fuel into the stove’s fuel well (which looks a bit like an old ink well). This then sits in the stove’s body. Light the fuel with your lighter, and place your pots, pans, or kettle on top. The flame’s heat is adjusted using a small attachment, which limits its size.

The flame’s heat is adjusted using a small attachment. Image: Peter Inverarity

Pros & Cons

The advantages of these stoves includes the ability to see and measure your remaining fuel, the quiet flame, and the ability to ‘water down’ your fuel to extend it’s life. Anywhere up to 30% of water still works. The flame is ‘natural’ looking, compared to gas – and this makes for better company if you can’t have a fire!

Disadvantages include the occasionally clumsy attachment, which limits the size of the flame and needs practice in use. The energy provided by the flame also isn’t as much as that provided by gas; you’ll likely wait a lot longer for your billy to boil!

As for stoves that operate with Shellite, these work well in any climate or altitude. That said, they tend to be complex to use, as reverberant as a jet engine, and fail to produce a pleasant, soft flame.

Summary

The ol’ primus stove is great for learning the basics of lightweight cooking using a relatively safe and reliable system.

For a 3-night trip, a 230g canister for meals and 100g canister for hot drinks should still leave some fuel remaining. Image: JetBoil

The Gas Stove

Fuel

The gas consists of around 75% Butane and 25% Propane. This combination allows a mostly-liquid state of flammable fuel under pressure in the canister, which vaporises as it exits. In theory, the Propane is supposed to provide better performance in sub-zero temperatures. In reality, it’s better to keep your canister warmer than that. More on that later.

Quantity of Gas

Commonly, canisters are 230g (small) and 450g (large). Smaller 100g canisters are also convenient for keeping inside a Trangia kettle – easy to locate for a quick cup of tea on the track.

Lifespan

For a 4-day, 3-night trip – 1 x 230g canister for cooking a meal and hot drinks, and 1 x 100g canister for other hot drinks should still leave some fuel remaining in the 100g canister.

That said, it’s recommended to shake your cannister before using to gain the most from them, and keep them warm (body temperature).

Once you go gas, you won’t look back! Image: Peter Inverarity

Operation

Simply screw your burner onto your gas canister. Most burners look like a tiny showerhead with three prongs radiating out to support your cookware. Turn the gas on using the adjustable knob, and ignite with your lighter.

You can then adjust the heat of your flame by rotating the knob, much like on your cooktop at home.

Pros & Cons

Once you go gas, you won’t look back!

The biggest advantage is the quick, hot flame, which makes cooking a breeze. It’s also super easy to adjust the heat for boiling or simmering, while setup is convenient without the need to decant (as with primus stoves).

That said, there is an element of risk in not knowing exactly how much gas you have left in your canisters. When in doubt, over-cater for your gas until you’re confident in how much you use each time.

Summary

While gas flames can be said to spoil the serenity, they can also create a sense of comfort. Somewhere out there, you’ve made it!

Regardless of which stove you choose, keep it clean, maintained, and in good working condition. Check it over before packing into your rucksack. From the solo treks to the summit, to the humble blaze boiling the cuppa for banter between mates – a hiking stove makes for good company on those great escapes.

It’s a bit like the Ford vs Holden debate; at the end of the day, the choice in stove really comes down to personal preference. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top ten hiking stoves for this year, based on our sales data:

Save weight on the heavy endeavours! Image: JetBoil

Best-Selling Hiking Stoves for 2025

10. MSR Whisperlite International Multi-Fuel Stove

Guaranteeing hot grub for the go-getters of the gradient and the all-round globetrotters of the trail – the MSR Whisperlite International Multi-Fuel Stove has rightfully earned its high regard in the backpacking stove category.

Multi-fuel, this stove enables hungry hikers more cooking power through its flexible fueling from shellite, kerosene, or unleaded fuel – ideal for use in extreme environments, from the heat to the sleet. Control the pressure in the separately available fuel canister, for a fierce flame irrespective of climate or altitude.

Manufactured with stamped stainless-steel legs to save weight, this stove also features a self-cleaning Shaker Jet which, with some simple regular maintenance, can offer decades of outdoor reliability.

The Whisperlite International is ideal for use in extreme environments, from the heat to the sleet. Image: MSR

9. JetBoil MiniMo Stove & Pot Support

Lift your degustation game with lightweight performance that’s heavy on convenience: the JetBoil MiniMo!

Well-designed and constructed from hard-anodised aluminium, with sufficient regulator technology – operate the stove with superior simmer control for those ready-made meals at the summit. Ergonomically shaped to allow easy scooping from a low angle, the stove pot houses the burner – plus, like the Zip and Sumo siblings, features a drink-through lid and dual-purpose measuring cup that protects the pot base.

Fit with robust metal handles so you can get a grip on your grub – the JetBoil MiniMo Cooking System may have dropped a few ranks from number 6 last year, but is still as fast, light, and versatile.

Fast, light, and versatile. Image: JetBoil

8. JetBoil Stash Cooking System

The lightest in the JetBoil range, the Stash Cooking System is a peak-performing gadget for the gram-counters of the gradient.

Comprised of a FluxRing cookpot and a stand-alone stove, all components nest together with a separately available 100g JetPower fuel canister for compact storage. Complete with a handle for easy pouring and a lid for tidy use in the field, this system feature’s JetBoil’s FluxRing technology for boiling water in just 2.5 minutes – ideal for rehydrating dinners at the summit, or kicking back with a cuppa on the side of the hike track. A fuel stabiliser also secures the system as a whole on the ground.

Save weight on the heavy endeavours with the JetBoil Stash Cooking System.

A peak-performing gadget for the gram-counters of the gradient. Image: JetBoil

7. JetBoil Sumo Hiking Stove

From hungry hiking duos to famished foursomes – the Sumo by JetBoil is new to this year’s rank, and the beefy big brother of the aforementioned MiniMo! Boasting a generous 1.8L pot capacity with hard-anodised aluminium construction for both weightlessness and kick-butt durability, this cooker tackles big-group hunger with gusto. Store either a 100g or 230g fuel canister inside the pot for a compact, all-in-one cooking system. Push-button ignition makes for efficiency, while the improved valve and regulator deliver unparalleled simmer control in climates as frosty as -6°C. Enjoy superior heat retention with the insulated cosy wrapping the pot, and benefit from the versatile, drink-through lid that doubles as a measuring cup. For steadfast stability on uneven terrain, the included stabiliser cleverly clips into the lid during transit, while the burner slips into its velvet bag to protect your pot’s interior.

The JetBoil Sumo stands tall and cooks big for those fast and light missions.

The JetBoil Sumo stands tall and cooks big for those fast and light missions. Image: JetBoil

6. Coleman Peak 1 Trekking Stove

Stripped of the unnecessary and embellished with essentials – Coleman’s Peak 1 Trekking Stove is efficient without the excess fuel.

Owing to serrated pan supports, your pot of porridge stays put! This stove ignites with a simple strike of the humble match, delivering simple, minimalist meals for roadside camping or compact, portable, one-pack hiking.

Delivering simple, minimalist meals for roadside camping or compact, portable, one-pack hiking. Image: Coleman

5. JetBoil Flash Hiking Stove

The JetBoil Flash Personal Cooking System slays the slopes with you on every outdoor adventure; a compact, packable, and lightweight package that warms wholesome eats and heats hearty drinks with true reliability.

Once again, JetBoil’s FluxRing technology boasts fast boil times, while a cup clips securely to the stainless steel burner and a fuel can stabiliser ensures security on tricky cooktops. Push-button ignition and adjustable flame control guarantee ease of use, while a colour-changing heat indicator in the insulated cup cosy reveals when your contents are hot. As all-in-one as they come, eat straight from the cup for crockery convenience, while an integrated spout in the lid allows a simple storage solution in transit.

For a cooker as compact as it is feature-packed, the JetBoil Flash Personal Cooking System fast-tracks you straight to those sunset dinners at the summit.

As compact as it is feature-packed, this stove fast-tracks you straight to those sunset dinners at the summit. Image: JetBoil

4. JetBoil Zip Hiking Stove

Compact but action-packed, the JetBoil Zip is considered the stark version of the Stash – incorporating essential features in a stripped-down design for the pared-back, fast-tracked solo adventurers.

Its insulated 800ml cooking cup features JetBoil’s FluxRing technology for fast boil times. The simplified, adjustable burner requires only a match or flint for ignition, fit with a lid featuring both a strainer and a pour spout for cooking convenience. Set to slay with a fuel can stabiliser and a protective base cover that doubles as a measuring cup, the JetBoil Zip is compatible with all accessories, boasting a no-frills, on-the-go cooking system that doesn’t beat around the bush.

A no-frills, on-the-go cooking system that doesn’t beat around the bush! Image: JetBoil

3. MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe and Pocket Rocket 2 Hiking Stoves

Boasting all the premium features common to each other, PocketRocket Deluxe Stove and PocketRocket 2 could be considered brothers.

At just 83g, the Deluxe is slightly heavier than the PocketRocket 2, with a larger burner head that improves both heat distribution and simmering. As the most durable MSR lighters, the burner protects the push-start piezo ignition – and owing to its internal pressure regulator, this stove withstands a wide range of temperatures and maintains a fast boil even in cold climates. Plus, a lip around the burner shields from windier weather.

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe is big on the burn and small on size. Image: MSR

For the trailblazers, flavour cravers, and space savers – the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe is big on the burn and small on size. The PocketRocket 2 Hiking Stove delivers warm meals and hot drinks to hikers, bikers, and bushwalkers across the world. Fashioned with features like precision flame control, the WindClip windshield, a fast boil time, and efficient fuel consumption – this cooking comrade is smaller, lighter, and more compact than the original PocketRocket stove. Pot supports enable the small packed size too, meanwhile accommodating a wide range of pots and pans.

From the adventure seekers to the outdoor retreaters – the PocketRocket 2 Hiking Stove is the dependable companion on the ups, dips, and drops!

Fit for the adventure seekers and the outdoor retreaters! Image: MSR

2. JetBoil Genesis Basecamp Backpacking and Camping Stove System

In 2024, this degustation station was both new to the rank and our top seller – but whilst it now sits humbly as our runner-up (by less than 50 sales!), it still maintains a high level of popularity. It’s the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove System!

This all-in-one, all-star camp champ comes with a non-stick ceramic 10-inch Fry Pan, Flux Ring 5L Camp Pot, and carry bag. From melting snow to brewing joe, its impressive 10,000 BTU heating system caters for any kind of tea break. Construct a gourmet, trackside creation, and stow away snug into the included carry bag.

Bolster that wholesome post-hike grub beyond the dining table with the Genesis Basecamp Stove System by JetBoil – also available in the HalfGen model.

Bolster the wholesome post-hike grub beyond the dining table. Image: JetBoil

1. Trangia Mini Trangia and Aluminium Stoves (Small UL, Small UL HA, and Large UL)

Taking out the gold medal for 2025 is, ironically enough, an aluminium number – the range of aluminium stoves by Trangia!

From little things, big things grow – so lets start small. For the fast-paced space saver, the Mini Trangia Stove streamlines cooking efficiency to a new level. With a minimal design and a lightweight aluminium construction, this stove set comes with one saucepan, a non-stick lid or frypan, spirit burner, and windshield. Be it a one-pot wonder or a dehydrated dinner, this stove set is also complete with a handle for convenient, hands-on cooking without the burn! Its simplistic design bodes especially well for multi-sport activities, rapid expeditions, and lightweight missions; the ultimate cooking system a solo hiker can count on. As for the standard sized stoves, these hot-shots boast their high ranking based on the number of sales across all models; the standard ultralight aluminium models are the most popular.

Simple, reliable, and designed with an eye for quality. Image: Trangia

From the hiking pack to the side of the track – hard-anodised (HA) componentry has the Small 27-7 Ultralight HA Trangia Stove the ultimate balance between affordable and durable. Despite a more sizeable model, the Large 25-1 HA Trangia Stove boasts a classic yet uncomplicated design that’s just as suited to the minimalist hikers. With hard-anodised cooking and eating surfaces, they’re not only easier to clean and resistant to wear and tear, but boast more corrosion-resistance than their untreated counterparts. Complete with two saucepans, a frypan, and a pot grip for more effective handling – the Trangia aluminum stoves are easy to both set up and operate, sending even the most simple of pathfinders beyond standard, dull, rehydrated dinners. A two-part windshield protects your flame from wind and frosty conditions, while an easy-to-light spirit burner and simmer ring allow both control and extinguishing of the flame.

Simple, reliable, and designed with an eye for quality – the Trangia Aluminium Stove systems are hot-to-go for the solo hikers or minimalist couples at the summit.

From the hiking pack to the side of the track. Image: Trangia

For food and fuel as fast as you! Image: JetBoil

What to Watch:

JetBoil Flash 1.0L

For food and fuel as fast as you, the upgraded Flash 1.0L by JetBoil fashions your rations with a powerful blend of superior heating technology and a super lightweight body!

Boasting a generous 1L-capacity cook pot and a 2-minute boiling time, achieve fast heat in the flick of a flame with the quick, turn-and-click ignition for efficient starts, and monitor the water temperature thanks to the colour-change heat indicator. As compact and clever as it is versatile, the bottom cover offers dual use as a measuring cup or bowl too – with locking indicators, measurement makers, and an insulating cosy for a warm, comfortable hold too.

As compact and clever as it is versatile! Image: JetBoil

JetBoil Zip 0.8L

Compact yet feature-packed for outback boiling and bolstering backcountry feeds – keep calm and cook on with the fresh, new, fast, and light JetBoil Zip 0.8L!

A classic and simple stove with generous 0.8L-capacity cook pot and a 2-minute boil time for essential cooking needs on the trail, the Zip 0.8L gets the grub going 30 seconds faster than the original Zip – so you can replenish your adventure energy sooner. Just like the orginal Zip, its bottom cover offers dual use as a measuring cup or bowl, with both positional and locking indicators for a secure fit and measurement markers for accurate rationing. For low temperatures at the highest peaks – handle the heat with a textured grip zone, and enjoy a warm, comfortable hold with the insulating cosy too.

A classic and simple stove with generous 0.8L-capacity cook pot. Image: JetBoil

Ben and Lauren also discuss hiking stoves on the Snowys Camping Show:

What is your setup for cooking on the trail? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post The Basics and Best of Hiking Stoves for 2025 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep153 – Fridge Capacity: Is Bigger Better?

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:42:06 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Is your camping fridge bigger than your appetite?

From 45L single-zones to 80L dual compartments, Ben and Lauren unpack the cold, hard facts about fridge capacity. Our gear gurus consider how vehicle space, party size, climate, and even adventure style can affect your ideal setup. They dive into practical considerations like fridge slides, temperature zones, and efficient compartmentalizing – proving that sometimes the bigger choice can be a little too much cold to carry.

Tune in for a refreshingly practical guide to matching your mobile refrigeration to your real-world needs.

Ben and Lauren unpack the cold, hard facts about fridge capacity.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:22 – Lauren’s Adventure on the Overland Track

04:57 – Is 45L the Right Size Fridge for One Person?

05:58 – Considering Space: Ben’s Setup

06:56 – Dual-Zone Fridges

07:46 – Operating as a Fridge Vs Freezer

08:48 – Family Vs Single

09:11 – Location and Climate

10:35 – Fridge Slides

12:12 – Compartmentalising in Dual-Zone Fridges

14:20 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

Clearview Accessories

KickAss

Products:

Portable Fridges

Dual-Zone Fridges

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep153 – Fridge Capacity: Is Bigger Better? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep152 – What Size Solar Panel Do I Need?

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:36:27 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

**So… watt solar panel size is the missing piece to your power puzzle?**

From recharging depleted batteries to powering your camp kitchen, Ben and Lauren shed some (sun)light on the complexities of solar panel sizing. Our gear gurus break down the practical differences between 100W and 200W panels by explaining controller requirements, power station compatibility, and real-world limitations.

Tune in for a sun-soaked discussion of valuable amp calculations, plug-and-play recommendations, and Ben and Lauren’s personal approach to solar setups, so you can keep the campsite powered up off the grid.

Ben and Lauren shed some (sun)light on the complexities of solar panel sizing.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:59 – What Sized Solar Panel Do I Need?

03:44 – The ‘One-Line’ Answer…

04:45 – Considering a 200W Vs 100W Solar Panel

06:06 – Limitations

07:06 – Considering a Solar Controller with Your Panel

10:01 – The Companion Rover 500 Power Station

11:50 – What Would Ben Do?

14:12 – Amp Replenishment

15:45 – Plug ‘N Play

18:07 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

Products:

Companion Rover 500 Power Station

Hard Korr 200W Heavy Duty Solar Mat MKII with 15A Lithium Compatible Regulator

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep152 – What Size Solar Panel Do I Need? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep151 – Double Stretchers: Bar or No Bar?

Ben and Lauren — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 02:57:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From saving your back to saving your relationship, a double camp stretcher with a centre bar could make or break both!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren tackle the age-old camping conundrum of double stretchers – specifically, whether that infamous centre bar is a deal-breaker or just a minor inconvenience. From Kulkyne Kampers’ design to Darche’s approach and Quest Outdoors’ innovative solution (coming soon), our gear gurus weigh up the pros and cons of double camp stretchers with an without centre bars, be you a solo camper or the other half of your adventure duo.

Tune in for a practical discussion that proves sleeping arrangements shouldn’t come between you and your camping companion!

Is the infamous centre bar a deal-breaker, back breaker, or just a minor inconvenience?

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

03:08 – Double Stretchers: Bar or No Bar?

04:33 – Kulkyne Kampers Double Stretcher

05:57 – Managing a Centre Bar

07:02 – Darche XL 1400 Double Swag Stretcher

08:19 – The Function of a Centre Bar

10:35 – Solo Campers Vs Couples

10:58 – Quest Outdoors’ ‘Platform’

13:13 – Try Instore!

13:30 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

Darche

Quest Outdoors

Products:

Darche XL 1400 Double Swag Stretcher

Stretcher Beds

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep151 – Double Stretchers: Bar or No Bar? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Best Sleeping Mats for Camping: 2025 Review

Snowys Staff — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 02:34:29 +0000

There’s only one thing that lies between you and the great outdoors (literally): a sleeping mat!

Choosing a sleeping mat for camping, and deciding what features are most important to you, can be tricky. Usually, they’re all a factor, and narrowing down your choice becomes a balance (or trade-off) between them. Be it self-inflation for fuss-free setups, or swift deflation for efficient pack-ups – this blog both expands on the most popular mat models and narrows down your selection ahead of your next outback escape. We’ve grabbed the data and crunched the numbers from our sales over the last twelve months.

Whilst some mats in this round-up are versatile across camping and hiking, most are generally not for an overnight hike – so if that’s predominantly what you’re after, check out our lightweight best-sellers here. Car campers and 4WD tourers, however – you’re going to want to stick around!

From durability and portability, to weight and the ability to insulate – sink into this year’s best-selling sleeping mats for camping, starting with number 10!

10. Quest Outdoors Dreamer 55 and 65

New to the rank are the Dreamer 55 and 65 Self Inflating mats by Quest Outdoors! Offering a generous 7.5cm thick and an R-value of 9.7 and 10.2 respectively, these mats offer year-round respite at the campsite. A soft, noiseless stretch surface fabric and durable base material together deliver robust comfort, while a high-flow rate valve offers seamless inflation and deflation for a sleep getup with a fast setup! Plus, repair patches and Velcro straps offer a means of fixing tears, rips, and ruptures off the grid.

Compactly stored in a rolltop dry bag-style carry bag – the Dreamers are the ultimate doze decks for alfresco weekends away!

9. Darche KOZI Series

Darche’s KOZI Series is almost four years old, and their range of self-inflating Mattresses is already meeting the demand of first timers across the country! Once a ‘what to watch’ product, these mattresses have managed to make it into the top 10 for three years running!

There’s a sizing option to suit every car camper, with a King Single, a Double, and a Queen. These mats are 10cm thick and a great mat at an affordable price. With a peached polyester top for a soft, fuzzy feel, the Oxford polyester base boasts added durability while its 3D-bonded construction maximises the sleeping area for an even resting surface. Plus, horizontally cross-cored, open-cell PU foam enables a quick inflation and deflation; antibacterial-treated too.

8. Darche Supreme Snoozer: 900, 1100, and 1400

Roll in, roll out, and roll up the Darche Supreme Snoozers, available in sizes 900, 1100, and 1400.

For a quicksticks setup and even faster pack down, a fast-flip valve offers one-way inflation and deflation for efficiency, while its foam is horizontally cross-cored to allow for a smaller packed size and a large roll-top storage bag makes for compact packing. Boasting a 3D construction to maximise the sleeping area, a TPU laminated shell is both resistant to water and limits the moisture drawn from the foam. At 10cm thick when fully inflated, its soft-to-touch knitted surface and open cell, high-density foam work together to offer warmth, comfort, and support too.

From sleeping through the sunrise to coffees on the edge of the camp mat – the Darche Supreme Snoozer Mattresses are designed for campsite ease and efficiency only dreamed about!

7. Zempire Bomberpad 3D and Twin Bomber 3D

These pads are for the dreamers beyond the ‘burbs! Featuring a wave-contoured 3D design and an impressive R-Value of 8.6 and 6.5 respectively, these self-inflating mattresses create a robust barrier between you and solid ground for sublime slumbers after long days of adventuring. Their soft, peached, no-noise surface ensures discrete, hushed repositioning without disturbing other campers at night, while the bonded 75D TPU base stands up to the rough and tumble of outdoor living. For swift setup at sundown, the open-cell foam and 360° valve with three position settings means inflation and deflation are a breeze – so you can spend less time setting up and more time winding down.

From the backyard to the backcountry, the Bomberpad and Twin Bomber are the robust but plush solutions to comfortable outdoor slumbers!

6. BlackWolf HexaTherm 3D

Albeit once in fourth place, the HexaTherm 3D from BlackWolf nonetheless remains a solid choice for outside respite – available in a Single and Queen.

Breaking down the specs, there’s not too much of a difference between these mats and the old favourite, Mega Deluxe. This sleeping solution boasts a clever 3D hexagonal core that delivers superior insulation and body-cradling support, with a luxurious soft-touch 30D stretch fabrics on the surface and sides for a cozy sleeping surface that rivals your bedroom mattress. The robust TPU-laminated 75D polyester fabric base stands up to rugged campsite conditions, while high-volume valves ensure quick inflation and deflation for minimal setup time. Despite its generous proportions when inflated, the small packdown design compresses to a surprisingly compact size, leaving precious pack space for other essentials.

We regard them to be among the best self-inflating mats, and won’t be at all surprised if they continue to work their way up the list.

5. OZtrail 3D Fatmat 750 and 1500

The 3D Fatmat 750 and 1500 by OZtrail lives up to its name, delivering a fat stack of comfort for those sweet slumbers off the grid!

Boasting a class-leading 15cm thick memory foam fill, these mats cradle you in body-hugging bliss while mediating the rough terrain beneath. Its 3D high-density, open-cell memory foam maximises both warmth and comfort, while the luxurious 30D pongee top and sides coupled with a 75D pongee base offer a plush feel with unmatched stability. From setup to pack down, the Fatmats feature self-inflation and a 360° wide-open twist valve that requires a single turn. Perfect for stretchers, jumbo swags, and tents, or even as a backup bed for those impromptu home sleepovers. Plus, when it’s time to hit the road, these mats compress down with included hook and loop crank straps, as well as compression straps on the carry bag for a compact, travel-ready package.

4. Sea to Summit Camp Mat SI

The Camp Mat SI by Sea to Summit doesn’t reinvent the wheel – it rolls out a refined take on campsite comfort! Boasting a robust 75D polyester exterior that stands up to the rough and tumble of outdoor living, this mat protects its clever PU foam core featuring Delta Core-V technology. Such an innovative design delivers variable core sizes that provide more warmth where your body needs it and less where it doesn’t, keeping both weight and bulk to a minimum – without sacrificing comfort. The multi-functional, high-flow valve allows for easy inflation, swift deflation, and precise pressure fine-tuning too, so you can customize your comfort level from plush to firm.

From backyard camps to backcountry expeditions, the Sea to Summit Camp Mat SI is the durable all-rounder for elevated sleep.

3. Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI

Standing tall at 7.5cm thick, this entry-level upgrade to the original Camp Mat SI keeps your hips from hitting the hard ground while delivering an impressive 4.3 R-value (ASTM F3340-18) for year-round insulation. Its abrasion-resistant 75D polyester surface with laminated TPU stands up to the rough and tumble of outdoor life, while the multi-functional, high flow-rate, reversible valve makes for easy, breezy inflation. Inside, horizontal delta coring reduces both bulk and weight without compromising on comfort or robustness – offering a sleeping solution that’s as backpack-friendly as it is body-friendly! Plus, an innovative PillowLock system keeps your separately available Sea to Summit pillow firmly in place.

From swag upgrades to tent-based adventures, the Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI Mat delivers sublime slumber – with a self-adhesive puncture repair kit included too, so you can literally rest assured!

2. Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self-Inflating

Climbing to an impressive eight centimetres in height, this mat delivers cloud-like comfort while keeping you grounded thanks to a laminated TPU anti-slip print on its base. The innovative PU foam engineered with Delta Core Technology reduces both weight and bulk without compromising support, ensuring consistent warmth along the full length of the mat. Its soft-touch stretch upper fabric cradles you in comfort, while diagonal supporting foam walls allow for compact rolling when it’s time to hit the trail. Plus, a multi-functional valve ensures effortless inflation at sundown and swift deflation at daybreak!

1. Zempire Monstamats and Monstabeds

At number 1 this year, the Monstamats and Monstabeds by Zempire deliver mammoth comfort for those wild escapades under open skies!

Towering at 10cm thick, the Monstamat transforms rocky grounds into cloud-like bedding, featuring 30D Super Stretch Ripstop fabric on top for a soft, comfortable feel and a hardy 75D Poly Pongee base to stand up to the rough and tumble of outdoor living. Its smart 3D construction with cross-cored, anti-bacterial foam prevents moisture buildup, so your sleeping space remains fresh and clean – trip after trip. The fully bonded design also eliminates cold spots, preventing your hips from sinking through to meet the chilly tent floor. Overall, the Zempire Monstamat ensures quality rest, conveniently packed into its own carry bag with an included strap.

Meanwhile, the Zempire Monstabed turns rugged terrain into five-star sleeping quarters with its innovative sleeping system – combining the premium Monstamat mattress with a robust inflatable bed base. The revolutionary design eliminates the need for bulky stretchers, while the integrated components all pack neatly into a single, portable carry bag for streamlined transport to your campsite. The patented technology delivers exceptional support throughout the night, ensuring you wake up refreshed. With easy inflation thanks to the separately available compact Monstapump, your deluxe campsite bed will be ready for respite in no time.

From remote bushland to festival grounds, the Zempire Monstabed transforms roughing it into a luxurious slumber experience – creating a home-away-from-home comfort that traditional setups only dream about.

Sink into this year’s best-selling sleeping mats for camping.

What to Watch:

Exped LuxeMat LXW and LuxeMat Duo LW+

Just touching down on the tarmac that is the Snowys store floor is the LuxeMat series by Exped, taking outdoor slumber from roughing it to first class luxe living!

The evolution of the legendary MegaMat boasts unique wool-insulated, organic cotton topping for superior moisture management and temperature regulation on every off-grid getaway. Practical side zippers allow gap-free coupling for seamless double-bed comfort, while side pockets keep essentials within reach. A durable ripstop shell ensures longevity, meanwhile the core-cover design allows machine washing for fresh, squeaky-clean camping experiences.

Available in a single and a duo, certified to the highest animal welfare standards, and Oeko-Tex® 100 tested – the Exped LuxeMats takes dreamtime beyond the driveway!

How do you choose a good camping mattress?

The post Best Sleeping Mats for Camping: 2025 Review appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep150 – Is a Thicker Mat More Comfortable?

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 03:01:30 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Thicker mats… better naps?

Ben and Lauren roll out the facts on sleeping mat thickness, challenging the assumption that more centimeters means more comfort. Our gear gurus weigh up pack size versus plushness, solo sleep versus shared slumber, and how insulation value varies.

Kick back for a concise breakdown of what really matters when choosing your next camping mattress, where the perfect night’s sleep may not require the thickest mat in the tent.

Kick back for a concise breakdown of what really matters when choosing your next camping mattress.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:52 – Is a Thicker Mat More Comfortable?

03:36 – Pack Size

03:56 – Soft Vs Firm

04:32 – Sleeping Solo Vs With Company

07:09 – 15cm Vs 10cm: Insulation

08:29 – Considering Uneven Ground

08:44 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

Products:

Exped MegaMat 10 LXW Self Inflating Camp Mat

Zempire Monstamat Single Camp Mat

Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Self Inflating Sleeping Mat

OZtrail 3D Fatmat 750

BlackWolf Hexatherm 3D15 SP Single Mattress

All sleeping mats for camping

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep150 – Is a Thicker Mat More Comfortable? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep149 – Brand Spotlight: Quest Outdoors

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:51:53 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From marketplace newcomer to must-have gear maker…

Ben and Lauren sit down with co-founder of Quest Outdoors, Chris, to unpack the brand’s meteoric three-year rise from industry outsiders to outdoor living experts. Be it the meaning behind the name, navigating business from across the ocean, or the meticulous product development process – our gear gurus establish what sets Quest apart, including the highs, lows, and laughs of the Air Sofa!

Tune in for a candid conversation about camping kit expectations, industry evolution, and how Quest plans to keep pitching above their weight in the outdoor space.

Ben and Lauren sit down with co-founder Chris, unpacking the Quest Outdoors’ meteoric rise from industry outsiders to outdoor living experts.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:07 – Introducing Chris from Quest Outdoors

03:31 – The Story of Quest Outdoors

05:45 – Needing Vs Wanting

06:55 – The Origin of ‘Quest’

08:19 – Separating Quest from the Rest

11:40 – Three Years Young: Quest’s Rate of Growth

14:18 – Attention to Detail

17:01 – Product Development, Research, and Feedback

22:01 – Marketing for Customer Expectations

26:15 – The Air Sofa 1: Expectations Vs Reality!

31:01 – Design Considerations of the Air Sofa

37:05 – New Releases in the Pipeline

40:25 – Velcro Vs Zippered Wall Attachments

43:28 – The Future of the Camping Industry

48:29 – The Future of Quest Outdoors

51:25 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

Quest Outdoors

OZtrail

Products:

Quest Outdoors Air Sofa 1

Quest Outdoors Air Sofa 3

Quest Outdoors Camp Table 4

Quest Outdoors Camp Table 5

Quest Outdoors Air Gazebo 2.4

Quest Outdoors Air Gazebo 3

OZtrail Deluxe 2.4 Gazebo with Hydro Flow

Podcasts:

Ep147 – When Camping Goes Wrong!

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep149 – Brand Spotlight: Quest Outdoors appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep148 – How to Mount a Roof Top Tent

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:33:35 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Racking your brain about raising the roof?

Whether you’re tackling it solo or hosting a mounting party, Ben and Lauren break down the essential know-how of roof top tent installation. Our gear gurus explore everything from weight ratings and rack configurations to platform systems and positioning preferences – proving that with the right approach and a helping hand, you’ll have a mounting success story and elevated sleeping quarters in no time!

Ben and Lauren unpack how to handle camping catastrophes with a productive, spring-back attitude.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:35 – How to Mount a Roof Top Tent

02:32 – Roof Load and Racks Weight Rating

02:50 – Roof Top Tent Operation

03:13 – Awning Considerations

03:21 – Host a Mounting Party!

04:52 – Have Fun but Be Safe

05:41 – Mounting Off-Centre

07:18 – Door-to-Door and Boot-to-Bonnet Systems

08:49 – Platform Roof Racks

11:37 – Ben’s RTT Mounting Experience

14:05 – Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platforms x Roof Top Tent Designs

16:53 – Door-to-Door Vs Boot-to-Bonnet Configurations

17:31 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

OZtrail Canning 1300 Rooftop Tent

23ZERO Panther Hard Shell Rooftop Tents

23ZERO Yowie Hard Shell Rooftop Tents

Inspired Overland Lightweight Rooftop Tents

Darche Rooftop Tents

KAON Rhino-Rack Pioneer Bracket Set

4WD Awnings

Podcasts:

Ep114 – Roof Top Tents with Dave & Jacob from Snowys Brendale

Ep125 – Rooftop Tents, Awnings, & Everything OZtrail 2024 with Michael & Ben

Blogs:

The Ultimate Guide to 4WD Roof Racks

Best 4WD and Touring Tents for 2024

How to Choose the Best Roof Top Tent for You

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep148 – How to Mount a Roof Top Tent appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep147 – When Camping Goes Wrong!

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:36:41 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

So the pegs won’t peg, the storm won’t settle, and you’re all wheel, no drive?

From flyaway tents and flooded campsites, to painful neighbours and malfunctions in the middle of nowhere – Ben and Lauren unpack how to handle camping catastrophes with a productive, spring-back attitude. Be it battening down the hatches or packing up early, our gear gurus share their hard-won wisdom on making the call between riding out the storm or hitting the road.

Ben and Lauren unpack how to handle camping catastrophes with a productive, spring-back attitude.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:20 – When Camping Goes Wrong

02:02 – Covering the Basics

03:10 – The Right Mindset

03:56 – Lauren’s Stance

05:03 – Fix the Problem, or Hit the Road

06:04 – Resilience and Resourcefulness

09:48 – Weather, Health, and Safety

11:18 – Campsites and Neighbours

14:08 – Additional Advice

17:27 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Podcasts:

Ep98 – Staying Safe on the Road

Ep61 – Finding the Best Campsites

Ep58 – How to Camp Cosy

Blogs:

Camping Etiquette: Being the Best Camper

How to Get the Best Weather for Your Lap of Australia

How to Repair a Broken Tent Pole

How to be a Self-Sufficient Camper

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep147 – When Camping Goes Wrong! appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep146 – How Long Will a Battery Run Your Fridge For?

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:57:28 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

The cold, hard maths behind keeping your camp food chilled!

From battery capacity and power consumption to solar solutions and real-world runtime – Ben and Lauren crunch the numbers on vehicle-based fridge systems. Tune in as they break down lithium vs lead-acid setups, calculate usable amp hours, and provide practical examples so you can keep your camping fridge running efficiently in any condition.

Ben and Lauren crunch the numbers on vehicle-based fridge systems.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:25 – How Long Will a Rover Run a Fridge For?

02:23 – The Maths: Lithium Batteries

02:56 – No. of Usable Amps / Fridge Consumption

04:08 – Examples and Circumstances

06:02 – Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries

06:25 – Solar Panels

07:43 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

Dometic Fridges & Coolers

Engel Fridges & Coolers

Blogs:

Understanding 12V Battery & Solar Setups for Your 4WD – by Ben Collaton

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep146 – How Long Will a Battery Run Your Fridge For? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep145 – New Year, New Gear

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 02:31:16 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From first-time investments to upgrading the essentials… what’s worth watching in 2025?

Starting fresh doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. In this episode, Ben and Lauren kick off the year with a showcase of 2025’s most promising gear innovations. From TOAKS’ ultralight cooking solutions, to MPOWERD’s innovative lighting system, and Dometic’s latest fridge technology to surprising new players in the roof top tent game – tune in as our gear gurus unpack what’s worth watching in the world of outdoor gear.

Tune in as our gear gurus unpack what’s worth watching in the world of outdoor gear!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:52 – Lauren’s Fan Moment!

02:48 – New Brands

03:08 – TOAKS: Lightweight Hiking

06:36 – KAON: Fixing and Mounting Tools

09:10 – Oz Braai

10:11 – Dometic CFX5 Fridge/Freezers

14:42 – Darche Alien Light and Speaker, Solar Fan and Light, and Magic Magnets

17:57 – Darche Datachable Roof Top Tent

21:40 – Darche Solar Roof Top Tent

22:05 – Harry Fisher’s ‘Fire II Fork’

23:05 – Quest Outdoors Pop Top Camp Cupboards

24:28 – Companion Recycled Ground Mat

25:19 – Companion Caravan Awning Clothesline

25:32 – Companion Deluxe Towing Mirrors

25:50 – Companion Aero Breeze Fan

26:50 – MPOWERD Luci Solar Site Lights

29:59 – Coleman Event 15 Deluxe Shelters

32:17 – Teasers

32:37 – Exped Sleeping Mats: Overhaul!

36:49 – Sea to Summit Updates

37:30 – Oztent Roof Top Tents?!

39:26 – KickAss Air Conditioner

40:55 – 23ZERO Yowie Aluminium-Shell Roof Top Tent

42:07 – New Concepts from Inspired Overland

42:44 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Dometic CFX5 Fridge/Freezers

Darche Alien Light and Speaker

Darche Solar Fan and Light

Darche Magic Magnets 3 Pack

Darche Datachable Roof Top Tent

Harry Fisher’s ‘Fire II Fork – More Camp Cooking’

Quest Outdoors Pop Top Camp Cupboards

Companion Recycled Ground Mat

Companion Caravan Awning Clothesline

Companion Deluxe Towing Mirrors (Set of 2)

Companion Aero Breeze Fans

MPOWERD Luci Solar Site Lights

Coleman Event 15 Deluxe Shelter

Brands:

YouTube:

Dometic CFX5 95DZ Dual Zone Fridge/Freezer 94L

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep145 – New Year, New Gear appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep144 – Season 4 Wrap-Up

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From jam-packed interviews to banter bites, Season 4 wrapped up with… Vegemite croissants?

Following chats with industry legends, product deep-dives, and plenty of banter about Ben’s beard – in this episode, Ben and Lauren recount their favorite moments of 2024.

From touching base with some of our favourite brands, introducing Tilda’s insights on a stylish campsite, and Zempire’s latest lineup – tune in for a year’s worth of highlights, some surprising stats about what you loved watching, and who we’re keen to see in the hot seat for 2025!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren recount their favorite moments of 2024.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – A Tumultuous Season!

04:28 – S4’s Most Listened To / Watched Episodes

07:10 – Ben and Lauren’s Favourite Episodes

09:06 – Snowys’ Brick and Mortar – Brendale, QLD and Adelaide, SA

10:54 – Interviewing OZtrail

12:10 – Glamping Gear and Maddy Bockett from Tilda Outdoors

14:28 – Interviewing Joolca

16:16 – The Banter on Ben’s Beard!

20:21 – Zempire’s New Range

21:23 – Snowys’ First OZ Braai Product!

22:13 – Cam’s Back on YouTube!

24:03 – Ben’s Biggest Realisation (4 Seasons Later)

25:20 – Who Do You Want Us to Interview in 2025?

27:30 – Sea to Summit Vs Zempire Models

29:27 – Vegemite Croissants…?

30:56 – Happy Christmas from Ben and Lauren!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

OZtrail rooftop tents

OZtrail Sundowner swags

Zempire Monstabeds

Zempire Hexolite camping tables

Zempire Aerospeed tents

OZ Braai Camp Braai

Podcasts:

Ep123 – Weird & Wonderful Camping Gear #3

Ep126 – New Season, New Gear: Winter ’24

Ep122 – Keeping it Clean with Camp Showers

Ep120 – Beach & Island Camping with Dave & Bec from Snowys Brendale

Ep114 – Rooftop Tents with Dave & Jacob from Snowys Brendale

Ep125 – Rooftop Tents, Awnings, & Everything OZtrail 2024 with Michael & Ben

Ep133 – Tilda Outdoors with Maddy Bockett

Ep142 – Joolca with Maciek Slodyczka

Ep138 – Zempire: Innovating the Outdoors with Richard Knauf

YouTube:

Sea to Summit Detour Stainless Steel Pan with Cam

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep144 – Season 4 Wrap-Up appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep143 – Is It Covered Under Warranty?

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

That awkward warranty moment, when ‘lifetime’ doesn’t mean forever and ‘covered’ comes with conditions.

From manufacturing faults to wear and tear, the world of warranties isn’t always black and white. In this episode, Ben and Lauren decode the difference between warranties and consumer guarantees, share real-world warranty stories, and explain why providing more information up front leads to better outcomes.

Tune in for the clear facts about your consumer rights and the steps to take to make a claim!

Tune in for the clear facts about your consumer rights and the steps to take to make a claim!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:50 – ‘Is It Covered Under Warranty?’

02:44 – Inclusions and Exclusions

03:47 – ‘Lifetime’ Warranty: Explained

04:35 – Manufacturing Faults Vs Wear and Tear

06:58 – Managing a Warranty and Customer Experience

08:15 – Lauren’s Real-Life Example

10:10 – Manufacturing Warranties Vs Consumer Guarantees

11:57 – The More Information, the Better

13:43 – Education on Products

14:57 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Podcasts:

Ep8 – Dealing with Wind & Rain When Camping

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep143 – Is It Covered Under Warranty? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep142 – Joolca with Maciek Slodyczka

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From civil construction to creature comforts: Joolca’s founder Mack pulls back the curtain on how simple ideas become outdoor innovations…

Hot showers, composting toilets, and even a portable hot tub – in this episode, Ben and Lauren dive deep with the man behind Joolca’s most intriguing designs. They explore everything from the birth of the Hottap to what’s heating up on the horizon – including tent warming solutions!

Tune in for an hour of product evolution stories, quality control insights, and why sometimes the simplest ideas make the biggest splash in the outdoor world!

From civil construction to creature comforts…

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:30 – Introducing Mack from Joolca

06:05 – Design and Engineer Process of the Hottap V1

07:59 – From Civil Engineering to Portable Outdoor Camping Showers

10:30 – Where Did Joolca’s Successful Ideas Come From?

11:35 – The GottaGo: How Could a Camping Toilet be so Interesting?!

16:27 – The ‘Pooca’

18:26 – Introducing Creature Comforts into the Outdoors: Design and Practicality

20:57 – The Joolca Ensuite Shower Base

22:12 – The Joolca Hottub

24:35 – Quality Control and Troubleshooting

29:56 – Approach to Re-Works

31:20 – Customer Feedback

33:52 – What’s on the Horizon?

36:41 – The ‘Joolca’ Name

37:35 – Dual-Purpose Products

38:59 – Tent Heating

41:13 – Gas Certification: Safety and Testing

46:43 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Joolca HOTTAP V2

Joolca GottaGo Toilet

Joolca ENSUITE Shower Base

Blogs:

Smarttek Vs Joolca: Comparing Two Hot Water Heavyweights

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep142 – Joolca with Maciek Slodyczka appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep141 – Are Awnings Really Freestanding?

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

‘Freestanding’ claims can be a little… wobbly. Time to peg out some truths and read between the (guy)lines.

From manufacturer statements to warranty fine print – in this episode, Ben and Lauren unfold the facts, tackle the disclaimers, give the lowdown on limitations, and share some common sense when Mother Nature demands a few extra pegs.

Tune in for some straight-up talk about keeping your awning upright!

Tune in for some straight-up talk about keeping your awning upright!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:56 – ‘Is This Awning Really Freestanding?’

04:03 – What Does The Manufacturer Say?

05:11 – Fine Print, Disclaimers, and Warranties

06:09 – Considering Common Sense and Limitations

07:25 – Weather Considerations

10:08 – Summary

10:27 – Lauren’s Last Consideration

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

4WD awnings

Freestanding awnings

Podcasts:

Ep104 – Awnings for Adventure

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep141 – Are Awnings Really Freestanding? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep140 – Christmas Gift Guide ’24

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Stumped for a stocking stuffer? Banking on something a little bigger?

From compact coffee makers to endless after-dark movie nights under the stars, this year’s Christmas lineup has landed. Be it lightweight, luxury, simple, or practical – in this episode, Ben and Lauren unwrap their top picks for 2024, featuring fresh releases like the KickAss Projector and Sea to Summit’s new Detour range, alongside tried-and-tested favorites (even for four-legged campers).

Be them coffee connoisseurs, tech enthusiasts, or rug rats running amuck and ready to hit the trail – tune in for your complete outdoor adventure gift guide!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren unwrap their top picks for 2024.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:25 – KickAss Projector

04:45 – OZtrail Loomie String Lights

07:23 – Other Compact Lighting Options

09:25 – Camelbak and LifeStraw Drink Bottles

12:13 – Camelbak Mini Mule and Kids Eddie Drink Bottle

13:20 – Wacaco Minipresso GR2

14:54 – Sea to Summit Stainless Steel Detour Mugs

16:10 – Sea to Summit Detour Camp Cooking Range

17:52 – Quest Outdoors Air Sofa

20:55 – Flextail and Exped Compact Pumps

22:27 – Sea to Summit Classic Sleeping Bag Range

24:08 – Naturehike Tarp Shelter

25:24 – Blacksmith Camping Supplies Bags

27:10 – Muk Mats

27:47 – Beach Shelters and Camp Wagons

30:02 – Dometic Cool-Ice Iceboxes

31:20 – Outdoor Connection Quad-Fold Dog Bed

32:41 – 23ZERO Woof Den

33:30 – KickAss Jaffle Maker

34:27 – Tiegear Lite Terra Pegs and Guyropes

36:25 – Buff

37:59 – Staun Tyre Deflators

40:33 – Helinox and Wanderlite Compact Chairs

40:45 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

KickAss Projector & 100″ Eyelet Screen Cinema Package

Hardkorr U-Lite Dual Colour LED Lanterns 4-Pack

MPOWERD Luci lights

BioLite SiteLight String

Zempire Megadome lanterns

Ledlenser lanterns

Black Diamond Moji lanterns

Camelbak drink bottles

LifeStraw water bottles

Dometic Thermo Bottle

Camelbak Mini Mule Kids Hydration Pack

Camelbak Eddy+ Kids Bottle

Wacaco Minipresso GR2 Portable Espresso Machine

AeroPress Original Coffee Maker

Sea to Summit Detour Stainless Steel Collapsible Mugs

Sea to Summit Detour range

Sea to Summit Detour Stainless Steel Utensil Set – 4 Piece

Quest Outdoors Air Sofa

FLEXTAIL pumps

Exped pumps

Sea to Summit sleeping bags

Naturehike Cloud Skies Tarp

Blacksmith Camping Supplies bags

Muk Mats

Beach shelters

OZtrail Collapsible Camp Wagon

Dometic Cool-Ice Iceboxes

Outdoor Connection dog beds

23ZERO Woof Den Dog Swag

KickAss 12V Camping Jaffle Maker

Tiegear STEADFAST Terra Driver Lite T40 Hex

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep140 – Christmas Gift Guide ’24 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep139 – Are Camping Fridges Waterproof?

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Crossing the creek with a $2K fridge in your rig? Let’s talk about what happens when water meets today’s technology…

From warranty claims to weather protection, the world of waterproof vs water-resistant fridges can be murky. In this episode, Ben and Lauren keep their cool on how to protect your 12V investment, consider integrated batteries, and exercise common sense.

Tune in for a solid, no-drip guide to keeping your camping fridge high and dry!

Ben and Lauren keep their cool on how to protect your 12V investment, consider integrated batteries, and exercise common sense.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:06 – Are Camping Fridges Waterproof?

02:30 – Fridges with Integrated Batteries

03:04 – Warranty Claims

03:40 – All-Weather Protection

04:40 – Common Sense

05:02 – Ben’s Recommendation

05:50 – Lauren’s Suggestion

06:56 – Waterproof Vs Water-Resistant

08:16 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Fridges & Iceboxes

Engel MT-45J 40L ELITE Series Fridge Freezer

Engel MT-60J 60L ELITE Series Fridge Freezer

Podcasts:

Ep39 – Fridges Vs. Iceboxes

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep139 – Are Camping Fridges Waterproof? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep138 – Zempire: Innovating the Outdoors with Richard Knauf

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

What happens when New Zealand innovation meets camping comfort? Zempire founder Richard Knauf pulls up a Hexolite table to share the story.

From lightweight yet sturdy camp tables to their ‘Lasagna of Glory’ Monstabeds – in this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack Zempire’s latest gear innovations with the man who helped dream them into existence. They dive deep into the tech behind the Aerospeed Air Tent range, discuss the balanced stance on blackout fabric, and discover why air poles might just be stronger than you think.

Tune in for an hour of product insights, the lowdown on designs, and how feedback from real campers turns a ‘what if’ into a rustic reality!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack Zempire’s latest gear innovations with the man who helped dream them into existence.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:28 – Introducing Rich from Zempire

01:17 – Richard’s Story

02:22 – Zempire’s Hottest Products

02:39 – Hexolite Camp Tables

03:48 – Achieving Lightweight but Sturdy Strength

06:30 – Heat Resistance

06:54 – Adjustment Mechanism

07:58 – Hangdome Lanterns

08:09 – Monstabeds

15:00 – Inflating the Monstabed (for a ‘Lasagna of Glory’)

16:25 – Total Weight and Pack Size

16:46 – Puncture Resistance

18:27 – Aerospeed Air Tent Range

25:30 – Size and Weight Comparison: Aerospeed 10 Air Tent

26:15 – User Experience for Air Tent Beginners

26:43 – ‘Something’s Gotta Give – What’s the Catch?’

32:27 – Burst Strength of Zempire Air Poles (PSI)

33:09 – UV Resistance

35:51 – Aerospeed Air Tent Storage Bags

40:16 – Aerospeed Air Tent Walls and Door Configurations

43:20 – ‘Blackout’ Fabrics

47:22 – Aerospeed Air Tent Accessories

49:09 – Roof Covers

50;52 – One Product, Many Markets

51:46 – Connectivity

53:18 – Compatibility of Aerospeed Link with Legacy Models

54:35 – The Feedback Loop and Design Process

57:15 – Zempire Pumps

01:02:13 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Zempire Hexolite Camp Tables

Zempire Monstabeds

Zempire Aerospeed Air Tents

Podcasts:

Ep21 – Camp Furniture Setups with Zempire

Ep40 – All About Air Tents with Zempire

Blogs:

5 Reasons to Own an Air Tent

YouTube:

Zempire Monstabed Camp Bed

Zempire Monstabed Camp Bed – How to Set Up & Pack Away

Zempire Monstapump Rechargeable Inflator/Deflator

Zempire Aerospeed Air Tent – How to Set Up & Pack Away

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep138 – Zempire: Innovating the Outdoors with Richard Knauf appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Smarttek Vs Joolca: Comparing Two Hot Water Heavyweights

Ben Collaton — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:53:04 +0000

This is a battle of two portable hot water systems, the Smarttek Black and the Joolca HOTTAP V2. These are the sort of showers you take camping if you can’t do without a few creature comforts (or just don’t want to go full-on feral in the outdoors)!

If you’re reading this, it’s more than likely because you’re comparing two or more portable hot water units. Hopefully, this article will help you with your choice.

Joolca makes one of the leading hot water systems for the outdoor market. Image: Joolca

This article is not intended to be biased; we don’t have anything negative to say about either product. Rather, we’ve simply set out to research and highlight the differences between these two leading portable hot water systems, as well as other options on the market from Companion.

Let’s start with the more prominent question on our minds…

The Smarttek and Joolca are the sort of showers you take camping if you can’t do without a few creature comforts! Image: Joolca

How does the Smarttek Black and Joolca HOTTAP V2 Hot Water Systems compare?

Let’s look at some of the details.

The Smarttek Black allows you to enjoy hot water in any climate outdoors.

Raising Water Above Ambient

The Smarttek Black unit claims to bring the temperature to 42°C above ambient on low water flow and maximum heat settings in winter mode. They also have a Lite unit with a smaller heat exchanger, and a burner that can achieve almost 35°C above ambient.

Joolca, claim their HOTTAP V2 to have a maximum of 35°C rise above ambient when set on low flow and high gas, and it heats to this temperature pretty fast.

Verdict: Given both units cut out at 50 degrees (more on that below), and an ideal shower is around 35-40 degrees, both units are going to provide an adequately warm shower.

Maximum Water Temperature

There’s not much to compare here. Australian standards require these portable units to cut out at 55°C but there is a variance of around 10% for this. Smarttek has indicated 52°C to be their max temperature, and Joolca state that 50°C is their maximum. That said, we have seen Joolca units surpass this.

Verdict: Both units deliver the same maximum temperatures.

Both units have a similar maximum temperature. Image: Joolca

Which Units are Lighter?

This might not be a deal-breaker, but Joolca comes out in front at 4.2 kg. Even Smarttek’s Lite unit at 4.5 kg weighs in heavier than Joolca’s units, whilst the Smarttek Black version comes in at 5.5 kg.

Verdict: Joolca wins this one.

Flow Rate Range

The upper echelon of 6 litres per minute is the same for both brands, and is dependent of the flow rate of the water pumped into the unit. At the lower end, Joolca can be wound down to 2.5 litres per minute whilst Smarttek claim to go down a little further to 2 litres per minute.

Verdict: Smarttek have a wider range at the lower end, but we are starting to split hairs.

The Smarttek Lite is a more compact option for warmer climates. Image: Smarttek

Wind Performance

In comparison to the original version of Joolca’s Hottap, Smarttek used to perform better in windy conditions. They claim that their units are made with interlocking parts, having them rain, dust, shock, and wind-resistant. Compared to the Joolca HOTTAP, the Smarttek external casings appeared to have less or smaller vents. This, in theory, creates better resistance to the burner being extinguished by wind.

However, Joolca are a pretty smart and innovative bunch and their HOTTAP V2 is a pretty sleek unit and boasts far better wind resistance than the original, sporting separate dials for both water and flame control and enhanced capabilities when paired with the separately available, newly developed accessories. This now has both the Smarttek and Joolca HOTTAP V2 relatively equivalent to one another, in regards to how well they perform in windy conditions.

Let’s face it: no one likes their shower disrupted!

Verdict: We haven’t field tested them side by side, but from what we do know, both units perform similarly.

The Joolca HOTTAP V2 offers a 5m UV-resistant shower hose. Image: Joolca

Hoses & Accessories

Joolca provides colour coded braided UV-resistant hoses with their HOTTAP; essentially like a high-quality garden hose, and they offer a range of plumbing solutions as additional accessories. Furthermore, their Nomad kit literally comes with the kitchen sink along with a multitude of hoses, a shower rose and a tap faucet and a 12V pump so you can customise your hot water needs straight out of the box.

Smarttek, on the other hand, only offers a single 2-metre hose – but it’s a kink-free, stainless steel type that doesn’t heat up or soften when in use. If you do require a longer shower hose they offer longer hoses and adapters to enhance your setup, but the accessories are nowhere near as sleek as Joolca’s offering.

Verdict: Joolca’s range of accessories takes the cake.

Runtime

With an energy-saving ‘Summer Mode’ setting in their units, Smarttek provides users with 50 hours of hot showers from a 9 kg gas bottle on the lowest heat setting, and about 16 hours on maximum heat (i.e. ‘Winter Mode’).

In comparison, Joolca claim of about 15 hours from a 9 kg bottle on the maximum heat setting and 45 hours on low.

Verdict: Despite Smarttek claiming to have a longer runtime, given the variances in gas efficiency we put both units neck and neck.

Smarttek provides a kink-free stainless steel hose. Image: Smarttek

Included Pumps

Smarttek include either a 4.3lmp or a 6lpm pump with all of their units, while you’ll have to spend a little more on HOTTAP V2 Outing Kit to score a pump with your Joolca. The Joolca HOTTAP V2 Essentials Kit, on the contrary, relies solely on a pressurised water source, but you can buy the Offgrid Plumbing Kit separately.

Joolca’s pump, as with all of their accessories, is a far more polished product being finished off with a durable ABS plastic shell, easy to connect garden hose fittings, neat 6mm and cigarette plug DC connections, and includes a filter, weight, and basket to keep the end of the hose submerged and out of the mud whilst in a lake or stream.

Verdict: Both pumps do the job, but Joolca’s is plug-and-play fittings and weighted filter win this round.

Input Water Pressure

This is different for both brands. I thought I’d add this one in to clear up the confusion.

Smarttek claim 25-750kPa input water pressure on their units, but have only stated this upper limit to match the mains water pressure in Australia (500 kPa). However, the units have actually been cleared up to 1500 kPa.

Joolca, on the other hand, claims an input water pressure range of 70-900kPa, but I can’t confirm if they are cleared for higher than that. So, compared to Smarttek, you’ll need a higher input pressure to get the Joolca unit started, but if you are operating the unit at 25kpa you won’t have any pressure at the shower head, so it’s a bit of a moot point.

In the borderline-impossible instance that your shower is connected to a fire truck, or other ludicrously high-pressure water supply, an overflow valve kicks in on the Smarttek units to prevent damage. I’m all but certain that the Joolca units feature the same type of valve, but we are being a bit silly here.

Verdict: Even-steven on this one, the upper and lower limits don’t really matter.

The HOTTAP V2 Outing Kit includes a 12V pumping kit for drawing water from any source. Image: Joolca.

Technical Support

Both Smarttek and Joolca sweeten the deal with their product support.

From 9:00am until 5:00pm, five days a week, you can call the Smarttek helpline on 1300 119 906. There, you can speak to a technician who, 90% of the time, will be able to get your shower up and running again.

We always found Joolca to offer excellent product support, their website is also loaded with help articles and FAQ’s. They offer a text line for support (0488 845 868).

Verdict: Both brands offer excellent after sales support.

Joolca Hottap V2 Nomad Kit

Smarttek Black Hot Water System

Testing Cycles

The Joolca units may be tested a few more times than Smarttek test theirs. Whilst Smarttek say their units have been tested in excess of 12,000 cycles, Joolca pips them at the post by claiming 15,000. Either way, both units have been tested to the equivalent of over 30 years of daily showers!

Verdict: Joolca win, but you’ll have to do an awful lot of showering to test the limits here.

Warranties

Last of all, Smarttek back their Black unit with a three-year warranty, whilst Joolca offer two. That said, Smarttek’s Lite unit only comes with a 1-year warranty.

Verdict: Both brands offer a quality product, we don’t recommend making a warranty period the deciding factor for you here.

Joolca tests their units 15000 cycles. Image: Joolca

So… which portable shower is best?

Well, by buying either, you’re guaranteed access to their respective helplines whenever needed. Overall, both units achieve what most campers are looking for: a reliably hot shower, and the versatility of using water from both mains water supply as well as the option to pump water from rivers, lakes, or just out of a bucket. Joolca’s product is far more polished and has a myriad of optional accessories.

Verdict: Both units provide a reliable hot shower, but Joolca’s well considered accessories and kits makes it a standout when it comes to versatility and ease of use.

Both units provide a reliably hot shower and the option to pump water from rivers, lakes, or just out of a bucket! Image: Joolca

What about the Companion AquaHeat?

Now that we’ve pulled the fine details apart for the high-end units, you may be wondering how they compare with others on the market – like the Companion AquaHeat Lithium Gas Shower.

In a nutshell, this unit offer better all-in-one portability, with an integrated rechargeable Lithium battery and the option to operate on disposable propane cartridge as well as ULPG bottles. This makes them easier to move around the campsite.

…But the buck stops there!

Despite being more portable these units offer lower flow rates and shorter run times. For a basic, less-bougie, pared-back shower without all the bells, whistles, and embellishments – Companion also offer the Rechargeable Camp Shower, the 12V Shower, and the 12V High Volume Camp Shower.

The Companion AquaHeat is another portable shower option. Image: Companion.

I hope this was helpful. We’d love to hear your thoughts on what you think the best portable shower unit is.

The post Smarttek Vs Joolca: Comparing Two Hot Water Heavyweights appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep137 – How Do Camping Toilets Work?

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

On the go, but gotta go? A camping toilet can be the clean solution to a road-side dump.

From chemical cassettes to composting solutions, the topic of portable toilets can get a little deep for the first-timer (despite the shallow bowl!). In this episode, Ben and Lauren unclog the brain-drain and break down exactly how camping toilets work, diving into tank designs, chemical requirements, and the ins and outs of the Joolca GottaGo.

Listen up to get to the bottom of every outdoor toilet doubt!

From chemical cassettes to composting solutions, the topic of portable toilets can get a little deep for the first-timer.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:55 – How Do Camping Toilets Work?

02:42 – Chemical Toilets

04:33 – Recommended Chemicals

05:48 – What Do the Chemicals Do?

06:08 – Toilet Tank Design

06:47 – Joolca GottaGo Toilets

08:18 – Bagged and Composting Toilets

09:04 – Most Common Toilet Types

10:05 – Can I Buy Another Waste Tank for my Thetford Porta Potti?

10:58 – Other Suggestions

11:42 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Camp Toilets

Joolca GottaGo Toilets and Cassettes

Thetford Porta Potti

Podcasts:

Ep 51 – Taking Care of Business with Camp Toilets

YouTube:

Thetford Porta Potti 565E & 565P Camp Toilet

Joolca GottaGo Eco Cassette

Joolca GottaGo Modular Separating Toilet

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep137 – How Do Camping Toilets Work? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep136 – Can I Use My Stove with This Camp Table?

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

When the sizzle of your stove meets the surface of your camp table – is this combo is about to cause a campground meltdown?

Can your blow-moulded camp table handle the heat of your two-burner? Is your steel-top about to become a scorched memory? In this episode, Ben and Lauren serve up the facts about pairing camp stoves with camp tables, from materials and design to heat-resistant hacks.

Tune in for all the camp stove Vs tabletop know-how, including the lowdown on induction cookers, smokers, spillage solutions, and secrets to keeping that table stable!

Ben and Lauren serve up the facts about pairing camp stoves with camp tables.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:50 – Can I Put My Stove on this Camp Table?

02:30 – Common Camp Table Materials

03:02 – Steel-Topped Camp Tables

03:55 – Blow-Moulded Plastic Camp Tables

04:53 – Induction Cookers and Hotplates

05:22 – Other Stoves and Scenarios

06:06 – Self Trialing and Testing

06:55 – Heat-Resistant Layers

07:12 – Smokers

07:35 – Other Tips and Suggestions

07:53 – MDF Laminate vs Other Materials: Spillage

09:41 – Camp Stove Stands

09:59 – Considering the Table’s Size and Stability

10:48 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Camping Tables

Camping Stoves

Quest Outdoors Razor Table 120

Zempire Hexolite 160 Camping Table

Podcasts:

Ep41 – Camp Stove Comparisons

Ep88 – Top Tables for Every Trip

Other:

Camp Cooking with Cam

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep136 – Can I Use My Stove with This Camp Table? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep135 – Can I Use a 270 Awning with a Lift Back Tailgate?

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

When your 4WD has a lift-back tailgate, the 270-degree dream can feel more like a geometry nightmare…

…But is fitting a wrap-around awning to your vehicle actually impossible? In this episode, Ben and Lauren unfold the facts about mounting 270-degree awnings on lift-back vehicles, from crafty L-bracket solutions to pro-level product recommendations.

Be it a deep dive into the 23ZERO Falcon Pro, considering critical mounting measurements, or Lauren’s tried-and-tested ‘strap method’ — tune in for the know-how you need to turn your awning installation from a puzzle to a possibility!

Ben and Lauren unfold the facts about mounting 270-degree awnings on lift-back vehicles.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:54 – New Podcast Format: ‘Banter Bites’!

02:45 – Can I Use a 270n Awning with a Lift Back Tailgate?

03:26 – Considerations When Fitting Your Awning

04:56 – L-Brackets for Mounting

05:24 – Backing Plate Height

06:02 – 23ZERO Falcon Pro 270 Awning

07:09 – Other Mounting Suggestions

08:10 – Lauren’s ‘Strap Method’

08:42 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

270 Awnings

23ZERO Falcon Pro 270 Awning Left Side

23ZERO Falcon X-Treme 270 (6 Arm) Freestanding Awning

Podcasts:

Ep104 – Awnings for Adventure

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep135 – Can I Use a 270 Awning with a Lift Back Tailgate? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep134 – First Aid For Your Tent

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 23:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Is your tent looking more hole-y than heavenly?

Today we’re talking tent repair! Ben and Lauren are back with a practical episode all about fixing your camping shelter. They’ll cover common tent issues like tears, broken zippers, and leaky seams, sharing their top tips for easy DIY repairs.

Whether you’re dealing with a small rip or a major malfunction, our hosts have got you covered with budget-friendly solutions to keep your tent in top shape for many adventures to come. So grab your repair kit and join us for some canvas first aid!

Ben and Lauren are back with a practical episode all about fixing your camping shelter.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:34 – Wombat Attacks…?

04:30 – Fabric Repairs: Patches and Tapes

08:59 – Fabric Repairs: Glues

11:08 – Pole Repairs

15:50 – Ben’s Recommended Way to Avoid Pole Breakages

17:29 – Air Poles

19:32 – Zippers

23:21 – Summary

23:38 – What’s Your Worst Repair Story? Ever Had a Wombat Attack Your Tent?

Mentioned in this Episode:

Product:

Repair and Treatment

Australian RV Heavy Duty Awning Repair Tape

Tear-Aid Type A Fabric Repair Tape

Gear Aid Seam Grip + WP Sealer & Adhesive

Poles

Trace Springs

Pegs

Blogs

Repairing and Caring for a Camp Mattress

Guide to Camping Gear Maintenance & Repair

Podcasts:

Ep12 – Caring for Your Camping Gear

Other:

FixnZip

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep134 – First Aid For Your Tent appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep133 – Tilda Outdoors with Maddy Bockett

Ben and Lauren — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 06:32:40 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

The swags turning campsites into girly getaways!

Gather ’round the virtual campfire as we spill the beans on the new kid on the camping block.

Ben & Lauren are stoked to introduce you to Tilda Outdoors, the fresh face in the camping game that’s got us buzzing like mozzies around a lantern. This newcomer is shaking things up with gear that screams ‘glamping meets girlpower’. Their standout piece? The Rosie Swag – a freestanding dome swag that’s tougher than your grandma’s fruit cake but prettier than a sunset over Uluru. With its midge-proof mesh and plush 50mm foam mattress, it’s bringing a touch of luxury to the outback without sacrificing durability. So, strap in, camping enthusiasts – we’re about to dive deeper into what makes Tilda Outdoors the talk of the campground!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren introduce you to Tilda Outdoors, the fresh face in the camping game. Image: Tilda Outdoors.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Welcome Tilda

02:36 – Swag Colours

03:00 – How Tilda Started

05:16 – Aesthetics of Camp Gear

08:13 – Building a Brand with Social Media

09:06 – Why Start with Swags

10:36 – Manufacturing Process

11:47 – Features

14:19 – Feedback from Camping Community

17:05 – Women in Camping

19:02 – Concerns Launching into Saturated Market

21:04 – Future of Tilda Outdoors

22:24 – Tilda’s Point of Difference

23:47 – Type of Canvas

26:54 – Outro

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Tilda Outdoors Matilda Swag

Tilda Outdoors Rosie Swag

Podcasts:

Ep132 – Comparing & Choosing Swags

Blogs:

A Girl’s Guide to a Solo Outback Adventure

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep133 – Tilda Outdoors with Maddy Bockett appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep132 – Comparing & Choosing Swags

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 07:36:23 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Roll into the great outdoors with ultimate SWAG!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren unzip the world of swags, comparing everything from classic bed rolls, to compact canvas castles.

We’ll cover the key features – from sky windows to comfy foam mattresses – and share tips on choosing the perfect-sized swag for your next adventure. Whether you’re a solo explorer, looking for a double swag to share, or part of a camping clan, we’ve got the lowdown on what makes a great swag stand out.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack how a fast-pitch style tent can upgrade your campsite. Image: OZtrail.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:23 – Swags

02:40 – Defining a Fast-Pitch Tent

05:02 – Swag sizing

08:29 – Do you choose a swag or tent?

09:09 – Swag mats

14:42 – Swag poles

17:27 – Air pole swags

24:00 – Swag styles

34:11 – Features

37:33 – Accessories

41:43 – Using a stretcher & swag combo

47:00 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Swag Accessories & Spares

Podcasts:

Ep50 – Swag, Tent, or ‘Swent’?

Ep15 – Comparing Tents, Swags & Rooftop Tents

Blogs:

Why Sleeping in a Swag is Awesome

Seasoning, Packing & Cleaning Your Swag

Darche vs 23ZERO – Which Swag Should I Buy?

Other:

Jolly Swagman – Replacement poles for all swags

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep132 – Comparing & Choosing Swags appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep131 – Down Vs Synthetic Insulation

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 23:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Dive into the fluffy world of sleeping bag insulation!

It’s time to unpack the down vs synthetic sleeping bag debate to help you stay cozy on your next adventure.

In this episode of the Snowys Camping Show, Ben and Lauren dive into the age-old debate of down versus synthetic insulation for sleeping bags. They’ll unpack the pros and cons of each, covering everything from warmth-to-weight ratios and packability to performance in wet conditions. Whether you’re a fair-weather camper or a hardcore winter adventurer, this episode will help you choose the right sleeping bag to keep you toasty on your next outdoor escape.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack how a fast-pitch style tent can upgrade your campsite. Image: OZtrail.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:36 – Down Insulative Construction

04:47 – Synthetic Insulative Construction

06:08 – Key Considerations When Choosing a Bag

06:54 – Warmth and Temperate Ratings

09:38 – Moisture, Condensation, and Damp Conditions

12:03 – Breathability

13:43 – Weight and Compressibility

17:42 – Durability and Longevity

20:45 – Cost and Value

25:40 – Summary of Down: Advantages and Disadvantages

27:16 – Summary of Synthetic: Advantages and Disadvantages

28:29 – Ben and Lauren’s Dream Sleeping Bag

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Down sleeping bags

Synthetic sleeping bags

Sea to Summit Altitude At1 Women’s Sleeping Bag (-4C)

Sea to Summit Spark Women’s Down Sleeping Bag (-9C)

Sea to Summit Basecamp Down Sleeping Bag (-9C)

Sea to Summit Spark Pro Down Sleeping Bag (-9C)

Podcasts:

Ep 9 – Dealing With Tent Condensation

Ep102 – Sleeping Bags Unpacked

Blogs:

The Best Sleeping Bags for 2024

The Sea to Summit Sleep Systems

How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep131 – Down Vs Synthetic Insulation appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep130 – Gear for Glamping

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 05:36:17 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Elevate your outdoor adventures from basic to bougie!

Grab your plush pillows and fancy camp chairs, because today we’re diving into the world of glamorous camping!

Ben and Lauren are back with a ripper episode all about glamping gear that’ll take your outdoor experience from rough to ritzy. From the OZtrail Fast Frame BlockOut Lumos 10P tent with its built-in LED lighting system, to the Quest Air Sofa 3 for lounging in style, we’re covering all the essentials to turn your campsite into a five-star retreat. So whether you’re a seasoned glamper or just looking to add a touch of luxury to your next adventure, tune in as we explore the gear that’ll have you camping in comfort without sacrificing the great outdoors experience.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren talk gear that’ll take your outdoor experience from rough to ritzy. Image: Mpowerd.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:09 – Bougie Camping

03:02 – What is Glamping

06:28 – Costs of Glamping & Camping

08:05 – Tricked Up Camping

09:45 – Glamourising Your Set Up

10:00 – Shelters

10:42 – Sleep Systems

13:46 – Offgrid Power

15:37 – Furniture

17:59 – Cooking & Camp Kitchen

21:16 – Heating & Cooling

22:50 – Lighting

24:12 – Showering

25:21 – Decorative items

27:25 – Outro

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Zempire Tents

Exped Self Inflating Mats

Heating & Cooling

Luci Solar Lights

UCO Original Candle Lantern

Gas Showers

Joolca Shower Base

Podcasts:

Ep122 – Keeping it Clean with Camp Showers

Blogs:

“Glamping” – A Real Woman’s Survival Kit!

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep130 – Gear for Glamping appeared first on Snowys Blog.

A Handy Guide to Choosing a Swag

Richard Wescombe — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 23:57:30 +0000

If you’re looking for a new swag, you may be a little confused as to what the differences are and how to choose the right model for you.

To save you the headache – in this blog, we’ve outlined the key points to look for when choosing a swag!

For me, there’s no better way to sleep outdoors than in the cocoon that is my swag. In any location or temperature, in my swag, I feel warm and protected from bugs – meanwhile still experiencing that glorious feeling of being out in the elements.

If you’re in the market for a new swag, it’s a daunting task to wade through all the brands and different types on offer to find the one that suits you. So, I hope the following tips help to make some sense of it all and equip you to make the best choice!

There’s no better way to sleep outdoors than in a swag! Image: OZtrail

1. Traditional Vs Dome

Traditional Swags are basically two layers of canvas with a mattress in between. They’re light in weight, compact when rolled up, easy to carry and transport, and are usually lower priced than dome swags.

This is a traditional, ‘envelope’ style swag. The OZtrail Cooper Expedition to be precise.

Dome Swags, due to their shape and height (60-70cm high), provide plenty of room inside while keeping the top canvas layer off your face. They offer easy side and/or head access, are generally well ventilated, and will keep insects, vermin, and snakes out.

In recent years too, the debate surrounding the ‘swent‘ – a sleeping solution that boasts features of both a swag and a tent – has proven to be never-ending. For more on this, tune into Ben and Lauren’s conversation on the Snowys Camping Show:

2. Size

Swags are usually available in 3 main sizes:

Single: 60-90cm Wide x 180-230cm Long
King Single: 90-115cm Wide x 190-230cm Long
Double: 110-130cm Wide x 190-230cm Long

3. Material

Quality canvas swags are made from a blend of cotton and polyester fibres. This creates a finished material that is breathable, rot-proof, and water-proof.
‘Heavy-duty ripstop’ means that nylon has been integrated into the weave, creating an even better strength-to-weight ratio.
The weight or grade of the canvas is generally expressed in ‘ounces per square yard’ (oz), or ‘grams per square metre’ (gsm). Most swags fall into the range of 14-16oz canvas, which is roughly the same as 320-360gsm.

4. Canvas Vs PVC Base

A PVC base will generally keep the swag dryer in wet conditions than a canvas base. However, it will tend to be less breathable and prone to condensation in warm and humid conditions.
A tarp works the same as a PVC base, if the swag you like doesn’t have the latter. An added benefit of a tarp is that you can use it as a clean surface to step on as you enter or leave your swag.

A ‘dome’ swag is almost like a little one-person tent.

5. Mattress

Swag mattresses are generally made from high-density open cell foam with a washable poly-cotton cover that can be removed for washing.
Thicknesses range from 35mm for biker and traditional swags, and up to 70mm for top-of-the-range dome swags. Thickness usually increases with the swag price.
For added comfort, self-inflating mats make good additions or alternatives when it’s important for compact storage or transport.

6. Ventilation

Dome swags provide good ventilation by fully or part-opening the zippered openings at the head or foot. The head window is sometimes referred to as the ‘shooter’s window’.
Pegging out the overhanging canvas porticos will provide additional protection from the weather.

7. Zips

Reliable and good performing zips are essential in good-quality swags. No.10 Heavy Duty YKK spiral or coil zips are the benchmark, although there are many of equal quality. Look for chunky and solid pull-tabs and zips that are strong and robust.

Dome swags provide good ventilation by fully or part-opening the zippered openings at the head or foot. Image: OZtrail

8. Storage pockets

Some swags offer internal nooks and pockets to store torches, phones, water bottles, and more.
Good-quality swags have pockets to store poles and pegs when the swag is rolled up, making them easy to find when needed.

9. Add-Ons

Consider a swag bag or swag protection system to store your swag when transporting or storage. It will protect against damage and keep your swag clean of dust and dirt.
Many sleeping bag brands offer sleeping bags that are ideal for use with swags. Suitable bags are generally 80-100cm wide, have no hood, and are not so bulky that they can’t be rolled up and left in the swag.
As mentioned above, self-inflating mats make great swag mattresses, as they are lightweight and compact when rolled up. A self-inflating pillow is ideal for the same reason.
A spreader pole atop your swag will keep your swag taut and stable. It will do the same job as pegging out with rope and pegs when this isn’t possible.

We’ll be glad to point you in the right direction to ensure you find a swag that’s right for you! Image: 23ZERO

Hopefully you now feel comfortable choosing a swag that suits your requirements. However, if you need further assistance, feel free to shoot us an email or give us a call; we’ll be glad to point you in the right direction to ensure you find a swag that’s right for you!

In the meantime, check out our best-selling swags for this year – or, our huge range of swags to get you started on your next camping adventure!

The post A Handy Guide to Choosing a Swag appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep129 – Unpacking the ‘Fast-Pitch’ Tent

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:10:47 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

The speedy, up-standing, stand-out setups!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack how a fast-pitch style tent can upgrade your campsite.

From canvas versus synthetic, to folding frames, flies, and pitch times – tune in for some top-quality, compact, and Turbo-charged talk on the features, benefits, and setup variations of Instant Up, Fast Frame, Turbo, RV, and inflatable tent designs.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack how a fast-pitch style tent can upgrade your campsite. Image: OZtrail.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:35 – Fast Frame, Instant Up, and Quick-Pitch Tents

02:40 – Defining a Fast-Pitch Tent

05:04 – Pop-Up Tents

05:35 – BlackWolf Turbo Series

11:47 – OZtrail Fast Frame series

12:45 – Coleman Instant Up series

13:25 – Distinguishing Turbo from Instant Up and Fast Frame

15:32 – Setup Speeds and Designs

16:59 – OZtrail Fast Frame Upgrades

18:53 – Additional Features: Coleman, OZtrail, and BlackWolf

21:32 – Oztent RV Series

24:25 – Variations of the RV to a Fast Frame

26:22 – Air Tents

30:13 – So…Which Quick-Pitch is Best?

34:22 – Summary

38:24 – Questions? Comments?

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

OZtrail Fast Frame series

Coleman Instant Up series

Explore Planet Earth Speedy series

Oztent Malamoo series

BlackWolf Turbo series

Oztent RV series

Zempire Air Tents

Podcasts:

Ep81 – Coleman Instant Up Tents

Blogs:

Best 4WD and Touring Tents

Best Family Camping Tents

Other:

YouTube: Oztent RV-3 Plus Canvas Touring Tent – How to Set Up and Pack Away

YouTube: Oztent RV-5 Plus Canvas Touring Tent – How to Set Up and Pack Away

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep129 – Unpacking the ‘Fast-Pitch’ Tent appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Tips for Campfire Cooking at Home

Snowys Staff — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:22:42 +0000

It’s July – which means that annual Aussie winter chill is officially, well-and-truly, and unapologetically shuddering its way down our spines. We’ve retired our shorts and thongs, rolled out the trackies, and shrugged on the hoodies.

At this time of the year, the fire bans are usually lifted – providing the perfect opportunity to venture to your favourite secluded campsite and flex your rusty camp cooking muscle! But why not enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your own backyard ?

In this blog, we take you from breaking in the hiking kicks to breaking out the Ugg boots, with top tips to make the most of camp cooking at home.

Let’s get crackling – er, we mean cracking!

Enjoy a bit of the outdoors at home. Image: Coleman

Guidelines for Having a Fire in Your Backyard

Make sure you check what the restrictions are in your state for contained fires before you get excited and start your cook-up. These are in place to reduce the impact of smoke on the environment as well as the health of your neighbours.

For example: in South Australia, according to the Environmental Protection Authority, inside the Adelaide metropolitan area, you can have a fire for the preparation of food and beverages and for heating an outdoor area using a brazier, chiminea or fire pit, but you can only use charcoal.

If you’re outside of metropolitan Adelaide and townships then you can have a fire for preparation of food and beverages and for heating an outdoor area using a brazier, chiminea or fire pit using dry timber, charcoal or plant matter.

Cook up some delicious campfire food at home. Image: Mary Billard

Cooking with Charcoal Vs Cooking with Wood

Charcoal is going to be faster than wood fire cooking, and will also produce less smoke so you won’t have that smoky flavour you get when cooking over a fire. But, this does mean that it causes less air pollution. Charcoal is also lightweight and fairly easy to get your hands on as most hardware or barbecue stores will sell it.

In terms of wood, there are some limitations as to where you can collect it for fires if you are out camping, but you can get your hands on alternatives, such as briquettes/Ekologs or timber from hardware or landscape suppliers. For more information on how to choose wood for campfires, head here.

It will take you a bit more time to burn the wood long enough to create coals on the fire to have it ready to cook your food, but once you do, the woodfire flavours will be worth the wait.

Cooking with charcoal is a bit quicker and easier than using wood. Image: osoliving

What to Cook On?

When it comes to what you can cook on, according to the regulations in place at this time, you can use a brazier, chiminea or fire pit – so those are your best bet for trying the delicious campfire recipes you’ve got your eye on over the coming months.

Firepit Options for Warmth and Cooking:

Stainless Steel Designs

Darche have a stainless steel design that comes in two sizes, the 310 which is perfect for a couple or the 450 which is slightly bigger for a small family.

The folding design makes it easy to set up and store, and the shiny food-grade stainless-steel design is nice and stylish, so it will look good set up in your backyard.

The 23ZERO BBQ 51 is a similar model, while the SupaPeg Frontier fire pit boasts an innovative 8-panel design for greater efficiency and safety. For more on these, check out our hot picks and best-selling fire pits here!

A stainless steel fire pit is ideal for at home or campsite use. Image: Darche

High-Tech Fire Pits

A more high-tech option is the snazzy-looking Fire Pit Plus from BioLite, which is the smokeless solution to cooking and warming up outdoors.

This unit uses patented airflow technology for hyper-efficient flames without the smoke, the x-ray mesh on the Fire Pit gives you the mesmerising view of a floating fire, and the rack can be adjusted to use with both charcoal or wood as fuel.

It features 12,800 mAh pack which can be recharged easily via USB to give you up to 30 hours of power on ‘low fan’. Plus, it’s controlled by the free compatible Bluetooth app, and it folds up for transport.

The removable grill plate allows you to cook yummy Japanese hibachi-style meals too, so it’s a great option for those who love a bit of technology and style with their gear.

For something a bit more high-tech, check out BioLite’s Fire Pit. Image: BioLite

Cookers

The classic Ozpig cooker is something you might already have in your camping kit, as it’s versatile enough to be used on your outdoor adventures as well as out on the deck. You can cook all sorts on here, and there are various accessories available such as a smoker and rotisserie kit – to name a few, so you can try an array of tasty dishes on your pig!

Warm up by the fire, while cooking up a storm on the Ozpig. Image: Ozpig

Cookware to Use with Firepits

Now would also be a great time to dust off your camp oven and give it a whirl. The art of camp oven cooking is quite different from normal cooking as you don’t have as much control, but with a bit of practice, you’ll be a natural.

For more on cooking with camp ovens, check out this episode of the Snowys Camping Show with Ron Wilson and Mick Viller:

Camp Ovens

Camp ovens come in two different formats – spun steel and cast iron.

Spun steel is lighter and more durable in terms of transportation – however, cast iron can last you a lifetime with proper care, and retains heat beautifully so you can cook roasts to perfection. That said, cast irons can be quite heavy and slightly brittle, which means they’re not ideal for transporting on corrugated roads. You will have to season your camp oven too; check out our guide here for details on how.

Spun steel weighs less, won’t break if you drop it, and are a little easier to use on a gas stove, so are more versatile. For more on how to choose the right camp oven for you, check out our video here!

Whether it’s spun steel or cast iron, a camp oven is a must. Image: iStock

For more on spun steel versus cast iron, check out this episode of the Snowys Camping Show:

Jaffle Irons and Toaster Forks

If you’re feeling a bit lazier, or you want to try something a bit more fun with the kids – a jaffle iron is the perfect campfire cooking solution. Grab two pieces of bread and your favourite fillings, stick them in the jaffle iron and the kids can toast them at a safe distance from the fire or fire pit. A toaster fork is also a must for roasting marshmallows for an after-dinner treat.

In this blog, Ben can’t talk highly enough of the humble jaffle iron!

A jaffle iron is a fun choice for the whole family. Image: Campfire

Cooking Stands

There are a number of cooking stands available that come in a few different configurations to suit your cooking style. You can choose from a flat plate, grill or combo plates that enable you to create a variety of dishes over a fire, whatever your setup.

Cookstands are versatile and ideal for camping home or away. Image: Campfire

Camp Cooking Recipe Ideas

Damper: Sweet or Savoury

Damper – a campfire classic that always goes down a treat with it’s crunchy outer, and fluffy inside. Here is a delicious recipe on how to bake one in your camp oven. The great thing about damper is that it’s super versatile depending on what you put in it. Try it with sultanas, brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweet treat or add cheese and bacon for a savoury twist.

Yum! You can’t go wrong with a classic damper recipe. Image: Christina Pickard

Roast Meat with Veggies

Or, if you’ve got more time on your hands, fill up your backyard with the mouth-watering smells of roast pork and veggies by trying out our roast pork in a camp oven recipe here.

The whole family can sit down outside to a traditional roast in the backyard. Image: Bobbi Lin

Other Great Dishes to Try

Other delicious and meals to make include nachos, brisket, ribs, corn on the cob, and paella to name a few. You could even give some simple dessert options a crack as a treat. For more camp recipe inspiration, check out our range of recipe books here. The benefit of cooking at home is that you’ve got everything you need inside your own pantry, so you’ve got the flexibility to be a bit more creative with what you cook.

Are you going to give homestyle campfire cooking a crack this autumn/winter?

The post Tips for Campfire Cooking at Home appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep128 – Campsite Fun & Games

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 02:36:13 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

I spy with my little eye, something beginning with…

Ben, Lauren, and two working microphones. The answer is Episode 128 of the Snowys Camping Show – where our outdoor experts work hard, so you can play hard!

This week, Ben and Lauren bring to the podcast table hours of car and campsite games, guaranteeing ongoing entertainment on every family getaway.

This week, Ben and Lauren bring to the podcast table hours of car and campsite games. Image: BlackWolf

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

03:15 – ‘I Spy’

05:12 – 20 Questions

06:57 – ‘I Went to the ___ and Bought a ___’

08:26 – The Story Game

10:35 – The Whistle Game

13:01 – Change One Letter

15:08 – ‘Did You Hear?’

16:20 – Shotgun

17:40 – Spotto / Punch-Buggie

18:37 – Murder in the Dark, Storm the Lantern, and Spotlight

22:17 – Alpha Challenge

23:47 – Target Practice

25:38 – Travel Documentation

28:00 – Charades

28:53 – Operation

29:50 – Monopoly Deal

30:26 – Uno and Yahtzee

30:52 – Five Crowns

32:52 – Checkers, Connect 4, and Chess

33:36 – Finska

34:30 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Podcasts:

Ep97 – Camping with Kids

Ep10 – Camping with Teenagers

Blogs:

Camping with Young Kids

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep128 – Campsite Fun & Games appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The Ultimate School Camp Checklist

Snowys Bloggers — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:59:07 +0000

Beyond the books, school bags, and lunch boxes, there’s the outdoor classroom offering lessons to be learned in self-discovery, life skills, and leadership – and with the right kit comes the confidence to kick butt! If you’re reading this, chances are your child is embarking on a school, Cadets, Scouts, or Guides hiking trip – maybe even starting their bronze Duke of Edinburgh award! Your task? Getting the gear to kit them out!

We know the conundrum: you want the gear to be functional, warm, and comfortable… but you’re not confident that they’re ever going to use it again. In this blog, we’ve unpacked the ultimate checklist for your child’s upcoming outdoor camp or expedition, having rustled up some advice on the most important and expensive items you’ll need (sleeping bags, mats, packs, and shoes), as well as other affordable, middle-of-the-range, and premium gear for beginner hikers.

Put the pencils down, lace up, and let’s hit the track!

In this guide, we’ve rustled up some advice on the most important and expensive items you’ll need. Image: Caribee

Sleeping Bag

Consider Packed Size, Weight, and Warmth

A sleeping bag is one of the most critical pieces of gear, as it’s the difference between a comfortable sleep and a cold, sleepless night. Packed size, weight, and warmth are the most important considerations here.

Avoid Bags Designed for General Camping

These are heavier and have a bulkier packed size, so not suitable for carrying in a rucksack. Instead, look for sleeping bags that are between 1-1.5kg if possible, with a suitable packed size. For more information on how to choose lightweight sleeping bags for hiking, check out this article here.

Pick a bag that’s as warm, light, and compact as possible for your budget. Image: Alamy

Bag Rating

If you’re unsure about the temperature rating, we recommend choosing a bag with a comfort rating (not a ‘lower limit’ or ‘extreme’ rating) that is 5 to 10 degrees lower than the average temperature it will be used in.

Synthetic for Affordability, Down for Longevity

Synthetic sleeping bags are popular with campers and hikers alike, as they’re inexpensive, faster-drying, and will still provide some insulation when damp (compared to down).

A down-filled sleeping bag will offer more warmth for weight than a synthetic bag. When taken care of, a quality down bag can last for years – so it is a good investment if it’s going to be used over and over again.

A sleeping bag is the difference between a comfortable sleep and a cold, sleepless night. Image: Goal Zero

Accessorise for Extra Warmth

A thermal sleeping bag liner is a lightweight way to increase the warmth of a bag by a few degrees and is extra insurance should the temperatures drop unexpectedly.

An emergency or space blanket comes standard with most first aid kits, so that can always be used to add insulation under a sleeping mat, or on top of a sleeping bag for extra warmth in a pinch.

We’ve also got some extra tips on how to make a sleeping bag warmer, which might be handy to read here.

We Recommend:

Sea to Summit Circuit or Trek Sleeping Bags

A step up in durability and price is the Trek and Circuit range from Sea to Summit – high quality and affordable down bags available in multiple temperature ratings. This bag is a top-quality all-rounder, suitable for hiking, travel, and camping.

Closed-cell foam mats offer limited comfort, but are super lightweight and don’t cost a lot. Image: Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures

Sleeping Mat

The Same Goes…

For a more technical trip where weight, warmth and packed size are again very important considerations – a bulky and heavy mat will be uncomfortable to carry.

Air-filled mats are generally the most compact, lightweight and compressible options for lightweight adventures. In cold conditions, however, air beds do not offer adequate insulation – so you will need to choose one that does.

Self-inflating mats have open cell foam which has cores or holes cut out so they can be compressed down, which are a bit more luxurious but are slightly heavier than air-filled mats.

The third option is closed cell foam mats which are dense rolls of foam that can’t be compressed. These offer limited comfort, but are super lightweight and don’t cost a lot.

We Recommend:

Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Mat

A go-to option here would be the Ultralight XR Insulated Sleeping Mat from Sea to Summit, as this packs down to 23L x 11W x 11H cm, is 5cm thick (providing decent padding) and has an R-value of 3.3 to insulate against the cold from the ground.

It represents great value for money, as it’s insulated, compact, and offers enough thickness even for side sleepers to be comfortable. Plus, it’s consistently a top seller with great reviews, and we’ve had it in our range for years.

Some schools won’t allow air-filled or self-inflating mats, as both of these styles can be punctured. If that’s the case, a closed-cell foam mat is the only sleeping mat option. This can also be used under another mat in colder conditions for extra insulation, and for other activities such as yoga or gym – so it won’t gather dust in the shed after the trip!

If you can fit all your gear in a smaller pack, you’re on the right track! Image: Sea to Summit

Packs

The Right Style and the Right Fit

Look for a long, thin top-loading pack, not a zippered travel pack. Harness fit is the most important factor, so have your pack fitted in person if you can.

The hip belt must be snug as it carries 60-70% of the weight, and the shoulder straps need to be rounded over the top of the shoulders. A pack should also have an internal frame that distributes weight onto the hip belt.

Need help? Check out some of our best-selling daypacks for this year.

A Big Pack is a Heavy Pack

A 65L size rucksack should provide plenty of space to carry a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, clothing, first-aid kit, and basic kitchen gear. If you can fit all your gear in a smaller pack, you’re on the right track (see what we did there?). However, if you need much bigger than 65L, you may need to reconsider the gear you are packing.

Check out this blog for more on how to pack a rucksack.

We’ve got a selection of gear options for all budgets. Image by Snowy Mountains Grammar School

Accessories Aren’t Always Necessary

A detachable day pack or removable rain cover are handy, but these features add weight.

We Recommend:

Caribee Cadet 65L Auscam Rucksack

The Caribee Cadet 65L Auscam Rucksack is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a basic design that fulfills the standard requirements. It features a padded back and hip belt, an aluminium frame for distributing weight, and molle webbing attachment points for carrying gear externally.

Deuter Aircontact Rucksack

The Deuter Aircontact range offers premium comfort and durability out of all the packs in our range, available in a variety of sizes with slimline fit options too.

The Aircontact back system provides padding and ventilation, and you can get achieve your ideal fit with the pivoting help belt. An adaptable shoulder harness also provides maximum comfort when carrying gear. This is the best option for those who are confident it will get used repeatedly in the future.

For more on the Deuter hiking pack range, tune into Ben and Lauren’s interview on the Snowys Camping Show podcast with Manfred from TMO Sports:

Hiking shoes and trail runners are appropriate for day hikes, but higher-cut hiking boots are better for multi-day expeditions. Image: Keen

Footwear

Fit Your Footwear (If Possible)

Sneakers are not going to be heavy-duty enough for hiking. In general, hiking shoes and trail runners are appropriate for day hikes with a daypack. For a multi-day expedition with a heavier rucksack, sturdier and higher-cut trekking boots are required.

If you can, have your child’s hiking boots properly fitted. Take the time in-store for your child to try them on with appropriate socks, walk around the store if possible, and up/down stairs etc. Pay attention to slippage and rub spots.

Allow Wiggle Room for Toes!

There should be space for toes to wiggle and enough volume in the shoe to adjust for feet swelling in warm weather. The heel should not slip up and down, and the sides of the shoe should be snug against the foot without crushing toes, to avoid sideways slipping.

Break in the Boots

Allow plenty of time for the shoes or boots to be broken in before the trip, to ensure they’re comfortable. For more information on how to choose footwear, have a read of our hiking shoes and boots guide here.

Allow plenty of time for the shoes or boots to be broken in before the trip. Image by Limavady Grammar School

Tents

A basic, 3-man dome is suitable, at approx. 3-4 kg. For a hiking-specific expedition, aim for a 1-2P tent weighing no more than 2kg. For more information, read up on our top 10 best-selling hiking tents for this year.

Stoves

The brand Trangia is safe to use, and includes pots and pans. For hiking, gas stoves are light, simple, and compact, but pots and pans are extra weight. For more information, read up on our top 10 best selling hiking stoves for this year.

Pots and Pans

Alloy is light, but not the safest to eat from. Hard anodised is better, yet expensive. Stainless steel is a good balance. For hiking, you can probably manage with a bowl and cup that you can both cook in and eat out of, to save space. The Sea to Summit X-Pots are collapsible and lightweight, as are their new Frontier range:

Cutlery

Again, consider weight. You probably only need a fork and spoon, depending on what is being cooked. The Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Set is a fantastic lightweight but durable option. Sea To Summit have a fantastic range to suit every adventure, see the video below for a walkthrough of what’s available.

Rain Coat

Look for a basic, seam-sealed jacket that allows a few layers to be worn underneath.

Thermals

Not cotton! Look for polyester, polypropylene or merino wool.

Extra Set of Warm Clothing

As with other camp clothing, look for merino wool or synthetic fabrics. For hiking, lightweight is best. Lots of layers are the most versatile way to achieve adequate warmth.

Toiletries

Just the basics, don’t go overboard: toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. For laundry, the Scrubba Washbag is the ultimate portable washing machine for getting rid of off-grid grime! For hiking, keep the weight down: simply a toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste is more than enough.

Check out our guide to doing laundry in the outdoors!

The Scrubba Washbag is the ultimate portable washing machine for getting rid of off-grid grime! Image: Scrubba

Don’t go overboard with toiletries, you just need the basics. Image: Sea to Summit

Sun and Insect Protection

Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent. For hiking, look for small sunscreen containers, or transfer some from a large container into a smaller one to save weight.

Water

A 1-litre water bottle is versatile – just make sure they don’t leak. For hiking, consider a water bladder that fits into the pack. This allows for easy efficient drinking whilst hiking.

A 1-litre water bottle is versatile. Image: Nalgene

First Aid and Medication

A basic kit with adhesive plasters, cleaning swabs, resuscitation mask. An elastic bandage is also very useful. For hiking, keep weight and size in mind – only take what you will need. You should be able to make a kit that fits into one hand. For how to manage spider and snake bites, check out this blog – or tune into Ben and Lauren on the Snowys Camping Show:

Camera

A basic, lightweight digital camera will capture all the memories. For hiking, just focus on what’s compact and light.

Torch

Hand-held torches or a head-torch. Head-torches are lightweight and versatile, keeping your hands free for camp duties.

Need us to shed more light? Check out this year’s top selling headlamps for camping and hiking.

A basic, lightweight digital camera will capture all the memories. Image: Sea to Summit

What do you remember most vividly about your first hiking trip?

The post The Ultimate School Camp Checklist appeared first on Snowys Blog.

How to Waterproof, Clean, & Condition Hiking Boots

Emily Mei — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 14:43:45 +0000

Your hiking boots and shoes are just like any other piece of technical gear in that they need to be given some TLC in order to keep them in good nick.

The structure, waterproof properties and condition of the leather on your shoes are all important elements to maintain so that they perform properly. Plus you paid good money for your fancy hiking boots, so there’s no use trashing them!

In this article, we’re going to talk you through how to clean, condition and waterproof your hiking boots or shoes so that they’re always adventure-ready. We also tackle a bunch of the frequently asked questions we get about caring for your shoes, so read on for more.

Heads up, before we get down to it: our footwear range is now only available online, with limited stock left! Head here to check out what remains of the range (at ridiculously low prices) – plus, more in our Mid-Year sale (ending in a matter of DAYS)!

After Each Wear…

Your boots are designed and made to withstand dirt, mud, rocks and water but that doesn’t mean that they are indestructible.

It’s really important to give them a quick wipe down after each time you wear them. This is because dirt and mud will wear down your shoes and dry them out over time, which can lead to cracked boots.

Dirt also attracts water. This makes the waterproof coating less effective making it more difficult for moisture from sweat to escape. You don’t have to give them a thorough scrub, just make sure they’re dirt-free before you put them in storage again.

Check your boots after each wear, and make sure you brush off any dirt or mud. Image: Alamy

Cleaning the Upper of Your Hiking Boots

If they’re encrusted in mud, get your hands on a soft boot brush, or a toothbrush and use circular motions to slowly buff off any dirt that’s stuck on there.

To give them a thorough clean, you may need to use a specialised outdoor footwear cleaner. This is because conventional detergents can leave behind a residue that can negatively affect the water repellency of your shoes.

Proper and regular cleaning is going to keep the waterproof treatment on your shoes performing properly. Though over time the DWR treatment will wear off and will have to be reapplied. For details on waterproofing, keep scrolling.

Use a specialised cleaning gel to give your outdoor shoes a thorough clean. Image: Nikwax

Cleaning the Outsole of Your Hiking Boots

Dirty soles can be a risk to native wildlife and plants as it’s possible to track in and introduce species from one area to another from your soles.

This could end up causing damage to a delicate ecosystem or environment, which is why it’s important to give your soles a scrub after each trip.

A dirty outsole won’t affect performance, but be considerate of how that impacts the environment. Image: Shutterstock

Drying Your Hiking Boots

When drying out your shoes after cleaning them, it might be tempting to stick them outside on a warm day or pop them in front of the heater.

But, you should just dry them in a well-ventilated place that’s out of direct heat or sunlight. You could even put them in front of a fan if you need to speed things up.

We’ve had a Snowys teammate ruin their leather boots by leaving them out in the sun to dry in the middle of a long-distance hike. This made them shrink, which meant hobbling the rest of the way in too-small boots. As you can imagine, this was a blistery, painful disaster – so keep your shoes away from heat!

Keep those damp shoes out of the sun when drying them.

Waterproofing Your Hiking Boots

Hiking boots or shoes will come with a factory applied durable water repellency treatment (or DWR treatment for short) on them. During use, the exposure to sun, dirt, water and abrasions will eventually make the coating lose its effectiveness.

There isn’t a strict timeframe that we would recommend for how often you need to apply a waterproof treatment to your boots. The best advice we can give you is that when you notice that water is no longer beading off of your shoes, and is soaking in instead – then it’s time to waterproof them again.

You can get specialised waterproofing products for nubuck and suede, combination (synthetic and leather) and smooth leather.

It’s essential to choose a product that caters to that material, as for example – using a waterproofing wax meant for smooth leather on suede will completely ruin the texture of it.

It’ll be obvious that you need to waterproof your boots, as the leather will soak through and darken. Image: Keen

Conditioning Your Leather or Suede Hiking Boots

Nubuck, suede and synthetic are all materials that don’t need to be conditioned. However, if your shoes are made of smooth full-grain leather, you will need to condition them. Full grain leather can dry out which can cause cracking, and reduce the effectiveness of the waterproof coating.

Conditioning the leather on your boots will not only keep it supple and supportive, it will also top up the waterproof repellency. When conditioning, brush off any dirt that’s stuck to your boots so that they’re clean before you start.

It’s best to follow the instructions for the conditioner that you choose as the instructions might differ across the brands. Don’t condition them too frequently though as if you oversoften them, they will lose their structure and support.

If you need to break your shoes in quickly, a conditioner will also help to soften your boots up so that they’re trail-ready in no time.

Leather boots need conditioning every so often to prevent cracking. Image: Desiree Stimpert

Shoe Care FAQ’s:

1. If my shoes have a waterproof membrane, then why do I need to keep waterproofing them?

Exposure to dirt, sun and general wear and tear will make the upper of your boots lose their water repellency. This will mean that the moisture from sweat that evaporates out of the membrane won’t pass through the upper, which will eventually cause your feet to get damp.

This is why you will need to revitalise the DWR coating when necessary.

2. Can I make non-waterproof shoes waterproof?

Unfortunately, you can’t. In order for your shoes to reliably keep out water, they need to have a waterproof membrane, so putting a coating of waterproofer on them isn’t going to protect you from rain or puddles!

3. Can I use normal waterproofing spray on my hiking boots?

The aerosol waterproofers that you get from shoe stores aren’t going to cut the mustard for this. These sprays are often silicone based which will actually make your shoes less breathable. Something water based is going to be your best bet here.

4. I’ve just bought a pair of boots, do I need to do anything to them?

No, you don’t. Your shoes should already be waterproofed, and they should already be clean and conditioned. It’s only after you’ve worn them for a while that you need to re-waterproof, clean or condition them.

Next time you buy a new pair of trail boots or shoes, we hope that this guide helps you figure out to keep them in good condition for many future uses.

How do you keep your hiking shoes and boots in good condition? Do you have any tips? Let us know!

The post How to Waterproof, Clean, & Condition Hiking Boots appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep127 – Managing Mouldy Gear

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 05:47:05 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

If there was ever a topic to associate with a Monday morning, it’s mould.

This week, Ben and Lauren embrace the Monday blues by touching on something just as dampening and dull, but nowhere near as nice on a cracker with quince and a glass of room-temp red: mould.

Nevertheless, this episode builds on how to prevent, remove, and recover your tents, shelters, and swags from the ultimate vampire of longevity that feeds on humidity but fries in UV!

This episode builds on how to prevent, remove, and recover your tents, shelters, and swags from mould. Image: OZtrail

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:57 – Overview: Materials, Humidity, and Prevention

04:04 – Cleaning Your Gear

06:13 – Drying and Airing Out Your Gear

07:34 – Storing Your Gear

10:21 – Moisture Preventatives

11:17 – Cleaning and Removing Mould: Best Methods and Applications

17:46 – Treating Synthetic Tents

20:48 – Durable Water Repellence

21:52 – Sunlight

22:22 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Podcasts:

Nikwax: Tent & Gear Solar Proof

Products:

Hiking Tents

Camping Tents and Shelters

Other:

YouTube: How to Re-Waterproof Your Tent

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep127 – Managing Mouldy Gear appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The Ultimate Guide to Fun Backyard Camping

Snowys Staff — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:52:52 +0000

Picture this: your meticulously planned family holiday is in shambles. Maybe it’s due to inclement weather, a national park or campground closure, or some other unforeseen emergency.

That doesn’t have to mean your getaway is cancelled; why not take your holiday to the backyard?

At the end of the day, kids often love the experience more than the location, so get them out and about in a different way. Backyard camping requires only a portion of the organisation and planning that a trip away from home does – plus, there are no travel times!

The best part about backyard camping? No long car rides! Image: Nikki Fotheringham

Setting Up Your Shelter

Any tent will do. Let’s face it, if things go pear-shaped you can just go inside!

If you don’t already have a tent, pick one up at an affordable price; it will more than suffice for backyard campouts (we recommend the Tasman series by OZtrail). Or, set up a full campsite with a family tent, mats, sleeping bags – plus all the extras like a table, chairs, and a camp kitchen. You’ll still achieve the outdoor experience, and it’s easy to throw in the odd luxury from the house if you like too. For this year’s top-selling sleeping bags – including for kids – check out this blog.

Backyard camping also means you don’t have to be a minimalist, given there’s no need to squeeze everything into the boot of your car! Setting up and packing down your campsite is as easy as transporting your gear from inside your shed and house to your own outdoor space.

For a cosy atmosphere too, fill your tent with all the creature comforts you usually wouldn’t bother dragging out to the campsite. This could include plush cushions, pillows, doonas, and blankets.

Have Fun with Your Setup!

Get creative with your backyard setup to really ‘transport’ everyone to a different place. With some help from the kids, create a fort using tarps, blankets, sheets, and rope, and bring in the furniture from the playroom to turn it into a fun space to hang out in.

Pick a theme, or raid your shed for all those seasonal decorations! Have fun with it – remember, you’re on holiday!

Create a nice, mellow vibe in your yard. Image: Lillie Farrow

Atmospheric Lighting and Music

Now is the perfect time to use your solar lanterns, fairy lights, or other string lighting to add a warm glow to your backyard. Grab your speaker to play some tunes or, if you really want to escape, the sounds of nature will do the trick too!

Check out our best-selling camping lights and lanterns here!

Try Camp Cooking at Home

If it’s safe and considerate to do so, stoke up a campfire in your backyard or use a cooker like the Ozpig to refine your camp cooking skills in the backyard. Or, for more on campfire cooking gear, check out Episode 103 of The Snowys Camping Show:

Damper is an easy recipe to master. It can be made to just about any savoury or sweet variation, and we’re yet to meet a kid who doesn’t like hot damper soaked in butter or golden syrup! Don’t forget to brew some hot chocolate and toast marshmallows on the fire too.

Toast some marshmallows at home in a firepit. Image: Suburble

You could also try your hand at smoking food. This adds a whole new flavour to the food you already love, but may be better suited to the more mature palates in the family.

For an easy and fun backyard dinner, try Cam’s Home-Made Baked Beans with Chorizo, as seen on our YouTube channel Camp Cooking with Cam. For more recipes, see here.

Stay Outside and Disconnect

Depending on how strict you want to be, maybe set a rule that inside the house is out of bounds once the camp out starts!

Plus, if you truly want to get back to nature and move the teens away from the screens, you could even temporarily change the Wi-Fi password. Or, keep the phones in the house so that everyone can disconnect and spend time together, as you would when camping.

Relax and unwind without modern technology. Image: Ellie DeLano

Stargaze

This is a great opportunity to see what you can spot in the skies from your house at night. If you already have one, grab your telescope (or some binoculars), download a free map of the sky, and have some fun examining the heavens and all the constellations you can see.

Admire the constellations from your yard. Image: Gary Seronik

Discover Your Own Backyard

Create a mystery to solve or a treasure hunt for your kids utilising the space at the front of the house, around the sides, and in the backyard. Draw out a map, give them a compass, and even have prizes at the end to keep them occupied and entertained. Maybe the winner gets to pick the movie for the night!

Organise outdoor activities for the kids. Image: Amanda Morin

Have a Movie Night!

Relaxing in your own outdoor movie theatre is a real treat for the whole family, especially if you have a home projector setup. If not, you could cheat by bringing the TV out onto your patio. Either way, stream a classic film while you unwind and enjoy the serenity of your own backyard.

Watching a movie is a great way to unwind. Image: Stacey Leasca

Enjoy What You Have

In times of crisis or when things don’t go to plan, all you can do is make the most of what you have and enjoy time with your loved ones. There’s no need for a fancy, over-engineered setup – what matters is the much needed downtime with your family.

For tips on camping with kids beyond the backyard, check out Episode 97 of The Snowys Camping Show. Happy camping, everyone!

Have you ever gone camping in your backyard? Let us know in the comments.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Fun Backyard Camping appeared first on Snowys Blog.

5 Must-Haves for Your 4WD Recovery Kit

David Leslie — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:59:15 +0000

No matter where you are, there are a few items you should never drive off-road without! Image: MAXTRAX

When 4WDing, no matter where you are or what situation you’re in, there are a few items you should never drive off-road without. Having these basics in your 4WD recovery kit could be the difference between making it out in the vehicle, or leaving the car to find help!

While there’s a huge range of 4WD and off-road recovery equipment on the market, not all of it is needed. Check out the list below for the essential, bare minimum recovery gear to ensure a safe recovery and a successful off-road adventure in your 4WD!

When it comes to your 4WD, it’s best to always be prepared. Image: Dave Leslie.

A Long-Handled Shovel

A long-handled shovel is such a useful and vital tool for the off-road enthusiast. Many a bog can be left behind after some solid digging and packing with sticks (and leaves, if you can get them)! The long handle makes life a little easier by providing more leverage while digging. It also allows a longer reach beneath the vehicle to where the diffs are.

Jack and Base Plate, or Recovery Boards

Jack and base plates are not only useful for changing a tyre, but also enable you to lift the vehicle out of a bog hole. This can sometimes make all the difference! If you have one or two wheels buried deep in holes, you may be able to jack up the vehicle, lift the wheel out of the hole, and pack sticks, leaves, sand, rocks, or dirt into the hole for the vehicle to sit on – and hopefully gain some traction.

A base plate is a must. It stops the jack from sinking into the mud or sand, and provides a good, solid, and level jacking surface. This makes the whole process much safer.

Recovery tracks blend slick with quick, for a lightweight but efficient off-grid recovery! Often featuring pinhole points for secure mounting and a double-ramp design for efficient manoeuvring beneath your tyres, their rugged teeth interlock with your tyre tread fast and effectively to aid in releasing your vehicle from its stagnant state. Some also include a shovel at either end to further aid recovery – an all-inclusive solution to getting unstuck!

Recovery tracks blend slick with quick, for a lightweight but efficient off-grid recovery. Image: MAXTRAX

Snatch Straps

If you simply can’t drive the vehicle out under its own power, you may need some assistance to be pulled out of a bog by another! Even if you’re travelling on your own, another vehicle may come past – so have your snatch strap ready!

By connecting a snatch strap to the rated recover points of both vehicles, you can pull the bogged vehicle forwards or backwards towards solid ground. Snatch straps act as large rubber bands, and can sling shot the bogged vehicle out of the bog. This can be a dangerous task, so be very careful and ensure all spectators stand well clear.

Air Compressor

Many situations can be overcome or avoided altogether with the right tyre pressures. Lowering your tyre pressure will greatly increase your grip in all situations, including sand, mud, dirt, and rocks. By lowering your tyre pressures, you increase the amount of tyre contact with the ground, thus improving your grip. For more info on tyre pressures, head here.

The last things you want is for your vehicle to be caught in the mud! Image: Geordie Wright

UHF Radio

All 4WD vehicles should be fitted with a good quality UHF radio and antenna. If all attempts to rescue your vehicle from a bog fail, you can call for help on the radio!

To maximise your call for help, it’s always a good idea to check what station the repeater towers are on in the area you are travelling. When you’re not using your UHF to transmit, you can put it on ‘Scan’; this will allow you to pick up any talk on any station within range. This could be your last chance before strapping on your boots and heading for help!

Before you go…

Most importantly, before any trip, let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. The more details you leave with friends, family, police, or local ranger, the better chance you have of help coming to your aid.

Secondly, stay with your vehicle for as long as you can. If you need to leave your vehicle, make sure you have adequate equipment to walk with, and take plenty of water. Leave a note in the vehicle explaining your situation, and exactly where you are heading.

Now get out there, have fun – but above all, stay safe!

Get out there, have fun – but above all, stay safe! Image: MAXTRAX

What do you do to stay safe on the road?

The post 5 Must-Haves for Your 4WD Recovery Kit appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep126 – New Season, New Gear: Winter ‘24

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 03:28:16 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

In this episode, Lauren lifts a rooftop tent with one hand and spins it on her forefinger like a basketball.

…OK, that’s not entirely true. But now that we have your attention – this week on the Snowys Camping Show, Ben and Lauren crack into the ~cool~ new gear fresh to the Snowys floor this winter!

From ultralightweight roof top tents and steadfast tent pegs to new and improved sleeping bags and hiking gear redefined, tune in for the gear that’s good to go ahead of your next outdoor getaway.

From steadfast tent pegs to hiking gear redefined, tune in for the gear that’s good to go ahead of your next outdoor getaway! Image: Naturehike

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:49 – Naturehike

04:22 – Joolca

08:39 – Inspired Overland

15:00 – Tiegear’s STEADFAST Range

20:55 – Sea to Summit’s Upgraded Sleeping Bag Range

26:45 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Naturehike

Joolca

Inspired Overland

Tiegear’s STEADFAST range

Sea to Summit’s updated sleeping bag range

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep126 – New Season, New Gear: Winter ‘24 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

8 Tent Pegs to See You Through Every Season

Ben Collaton — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:21:05 +0000

I’ve never thought of tent pegs as being a complicated subject. The choice of which tent pegs from my kit to use in any given sutuaiton generally comes down to a couple of options.

Ask Google about tent pegs, however, and the result is an excess of choices – many of which appear over-engineered and highly priced. If I was genuinely looking for new tent pegs, I would have felt overwhelmed and reverted to buying something similar to the pegs I am trying to replace. At Snowys, we often address the question of whether additional pegs are required when purchasing a tent. We also recommend which are the best tent pegs to replace those old battered lengths of steel that now better resemble some form of modern art.

So, I thought I would outline eight basic and reasonably priced peg styles that will cover most conditions the average camper will find themselves in – all of which have kept my shelters secure for decades of camping adventures.

The difference between the pegs that come with the Coleman Instant Up 6, compared to Poles Apart Galvanised Steel Peg.

1. Steel Pegs

Tough and Affordable

Steel pegs are tough, and good ‘extras’ to have in your camping arsenal for securing large items (such as tarps and gazebos) on hard and rocky ground.

The 8mm version of this peg is slightly more robust than the average tent peg found in mid to high-end tents, while the 11.2mm pegs are for big shelters on firm ground.

Their construction is just as the title suggests: steel. No galvanised or zinc coating either, so they will rust over time if left exposed to moisture.

Three sizes of the classic Steel Tent Peg – perfect to keep on hand in your camping kit.

2. Galvanised Steel Tent Pegs

Long Lasting

In most cases, these will be the closest equivalents to the pegs that came with your tent. The 4mm size is akin to pegs found in low to mid-priced tents, while the 6.3mm sizes are much like the pegs included with most family tents.

These pegs have a galvanised coating too, which means they won’t rust and are easier to find if they get dropped! They are great replacements or ‘extras’, and best suited for medium to firm ground such as in caravan parks, or grassed campsites.

Versatile, strong, and with a range of sizes – the Galvanised Steel Pegs from Poles Apart are a winner!

3. Plastic Sand Pegs

Lightweight

When it comes to sand and loose surfaces, these are the pegs we recommend. They can be a little bulky in your kit, but are light and provide good holding power in soft ground. The shorter versions suit pop-up beach shelters, while the longer styles are for wind catching shelters, tarps, and gazebos.

These pegs are designed with both a hook and loop on the end, where the loop is particularly useful for use at the beach in securely tying the guy rope to the peg. This makes it easy to find, as it will always be at the end of the rope!

Their rounded tops also mean that there’s less of a chance for your kids to cut their feet while chasing each other around the shelter.

Poles Apart Plastic Pegs are perfect for anchoring different sized shelters on the beach or soft ground.

There’s more tent peg talk where this came from, on the Snowys Camping Show:

4. Aluminium Sand & Snow Pegs

Lightweight Holding Power

Aluminium sand and snow pegs do a similar job to the plastic sand pegs mentioned above. The great part about these is that they all nest together neatly. They are good for anyone needing the holding power of a large sand peg, but have limited storage space in a pack or kayak.

The curved shaft features a number of holes that increase holding power, especially in snow, while the two sizes cater for both small and large shelters.

The downside? They are a tad more expensive than the plastic alternatives, and are best suited to those with a specific need.

Lightweight yet sturdy options for alpine or sandy conditions, or where space in your pack is scarce.

5. Aluminium Angle Pegs and Anchor Pegs

Tough & Lightweight

These are great alternatives to the pegs that come with lightweight tents. I have had a handful of these for over a decade, and am yet to bend one. They feature a 90-degree angle shaft that provides exceptional strength and holding power in medium to firm ground. Plus, they all stack neatly together, so are easy to pack into a rucksack.

The Supa Peg Ground Anchor pegs are a unique style, designed to push the peg deeper into the ground when the rope pulls against it. Hammered flat into the ground, their bright orange is also highly visible. When it’s time to pack up, they’re also easy to remove with a peg puller.

Steel Sand Pegs for anchoring a shelter on soft to medium ground & Aluminium Angle Pegs for lightweight tents.

6. Steel Sand Pegs

Alternatives to Provided Tent Pegs

The unique steel hook on the end of this style enables the wide-shafted sand peg to be used with small loops or eyelets, ideal for holding down the base of a side wall on a gazebo. You can also use them on the walls of a tent awning, or to anchor a tarp set up as a wind break.

It would be worth adding 4-8 of these to your camp kit. They are also great alternatives as the key anchor points of your tent, like guy ropes when setting up camp on soft to medium ground.

Sea to Summit Ground Control Pegs – the luminous pull string prevents midnight stumbles, and the multiple anchor points help secure guy ropes.

7. Sea To Summit Ground Control Pegs

Lightweight Performance

There are many of this sort of peg on the market. All of them claim to be the best – but in my experience, they are all pretty good. The main thing to look out for is the quality of alloy. These are made of one of the good alloys, 6061-T6 to be precise, with an anodised coating to prevent corrosion.

Now, I’m not going to say these are necessarily the best – but for a tent peg, they do have a couple of cool features!

Firstly, the little pull string has a luminescent segment so you can locate it at night. Secondly, they feature multiple anchor points, so you can secure the guy rope closer to the ground if you can only get it so far in.

Available individually, as a pack of six, or a pack of eight, the Sea to Summit Ground Control Pegs are ideal for lightweight hike tents.

Ben and Lauren also discuss the best tent pegs for hiking and lightweight adventures on the Snowys Camping Show podcast:

Keep pegs in a few sizes and materials to make sure you’re equipped for a range of conditions.

8. Drillable Tent Pegs

Taking the Strain out of Setup!

Drillable pegs are also an option for those who want to be able to set up their tent quickly and easily without the strain on your knees or back.

These can be inserted easily inserted and removed with help from a drill or impact driver, which is particularly useful to use with larger tents or shelters or for camping on hard ground. This style of peg is significantly dearer than your standard options, but prove to be super popular for those who want to spend less time setting up, and more time enjoying the outdoors.

If you want to see how to use drillable tent pegs, then hit the play button above.

Check out the STEADFAST range by Tiegear – including the Hard and Soft Terra Screw pegs, as well as the Hard Terra Lite model.

While the Hard Terra sports a forged 304 stainless steel construction, the Soft boasts a UV-stabilised, engineering-grade reinforced nylon for robust yet flexible strength. Both models are designed to to stand up to harsh Aussie climates and rough outdoor use, each featuring a 19mm, double-hooked heads for compatibility and easy alignment with multiple tie-down directions. Meanwhile, the reinforced nylon Hard Terra Lite is of a smaller, slimline, and sleek design, and is often applied in harder-to-reach places (such as rocks and debris) for a reliable hold.

The reinforced nylon Hard Terra Lite is often applied in harder-to-reach places for a reliable hold.

So… should you buy additional pegs for your new tent?

If you’re buying a mid to high-end tent, the pegs that come with the tent will mostly suit the average grassed or dirt campground with medium to hard ground.

For campers with sandy or particularly rocky campgrounds in their sights, it’s worth adding 6-10 suitable pegs as described above for use on key anchor points, to ensure your shelter stays upright during your stay.

It’s never a bad thing to be too prepared. What else do you keep in your arsenal for pitching in difficult conditions?

The post 8 Tent Pegs to See You Through Every Season appeared first on Snowys Blog.

5 Tips to Waterproof Your Hiking Backpack

Paul Goodsell — Wed, 29 May 2024 19:25:19 +0000

Hiking in the rain isn’t everyone’s cup of tea… but I reckon it can actually be pretty fun. For a start: if your track takes you to a beautiful waterfall, watching the water tumbling down is just the best. Kayaking Milford Sound in New Zealand on a particularly miserable day allowed us to see it at its best, as hundreds of little waterfalls cascading down the rock faces.

Keeping yourself dry when hiking in the rain is one thing; just don a pair of waterproof pants and a jacket, and you’ll be pretty comfortable. But what about all the precious gear in your backpack just begging to get wet? Yep – I’m talking your down sleeping bag, charged iPad, that pita bread, those dry clothes?

In this blog, I’ll share 5 easy ways to keep both your backpack and the hiking gear inside safe and dry, hike after hike!

1. Use a Rain Cover

Most hiking backpacks include a rain cover, usually stowed in a small pocket at the bottom of the pack. It unfurls and covers the entire pack, cinched in by elastic around the harness. While rain covers won’t keep all the water out, they’re a handy first line of defense.

The downside of rain covers is that they create a little more difficulty in accessing gear in your pack. As they’re made of a lightweight material, they can also get snagged on foliage and tear easily. If your rucksack didn’t come with a rain cover, you can buy one separately.

“Yep, that’ll keep it dry” says Kym. Most hiking and travel backpacks come with a built-in rain cover that tucks away neatly into the base of the bag.

2. Line Your Pack

Lining your pack with a heavy duty plastic bag or liner is a more reliable way to keep your gear dry. Even if your pack gets soaked – it’s the stuff inside that matters! I tend not to use a rain cover – but at a minimum, even if no rain is forecasted, I line my pack with a strong plastic bag.

The trick is to choose a liner that is much larger than your rucksack. For example, if your pack is 65L, use a 100L plastic bag. That way, you can push it into the corners of your pack and maximise space. Plus, you’ll have plenty of bag left to roll shut.

Always choose a pack liner that’s a fair bit bigger than the pack. That way you’ll have plenty of the bag to roll up and tuck snugly down the side, to ensure a nice watertight seal.

3. Pack Gear into Dry Bags

If you have expensive electronic gadgets, it’s a good idea to go the extra mile and stow them in quality dry bags (perhaps a bit overkill for your socks and jocks).

Other benefits of dry bags is that they allow you to organise and even colour-code your pack. For example: blue for cooking gear, and red for clothes. Should your rain cover or liner bag fail you too, you have an extra line of defense – even if it is just protecting the important stuff!

I carry gear like my first aid kit, headlamp, lighter, battery pack, and a notepad and pen in a small 2L lightweight dry sack. These are items that I really don’t want to get wet – so it’s worth it!

4. Go Crazy with Ziploc Bags

I’ll admit it, I’m a little obsessed with Ziploc bags. I use them for everything, and love that they come in all different shapes and sizes. They do pretty much everything a dry sack does, but are far less expensive.

My first aid kit lives in a small sandwich-sized Ziploc bag, as do my camera accessories. These then go into my dry sack. Books and maps get the Ziploc treatment too. Rubbish goes in a large Ziploc, clipped onto the outside of my pack with a compression strap. My individual serves of oats and nuts, as well as my daily rations, also go into ‘baggies’ (as our American friends call ’em!).

Ziploc bags are especially useful for protecting the gear in your backpack’s lid and hip belt pockets. Best of all, they’re available almost everywhere.

Just a few of the items you can use to keep the stuff in your backpack dry on a drizzly hike.

5. Double-Line Your Sleeping Bag

Get your precious down sleeping bag wet, and it won’t be much use to you. When down gets wet, it clumps and doesn’t provide the ‘loft’ that keeps you warm – so it’s really important to keep it dry!

If there’s anything in your pack that you should make the time to waterproof, it’s your sleeping bag. Perhaps you’re off hiking in nice weather with little chance of rain? It may be reasonable to leave the dry sacks and liner at home, but don’t risk your sleeping bag. I had a water bottle leak all through my pannier on a recent bicycle tour… thankfully, it was only the pannier I kept things like my sleeping mat, tool kit, tent fly, poles, and cookware in!

Below is a nifty video that demonstrates how to make your sleeping bag nice and waterproof:

Remember, stuff sacks are called that for a reason. Don’t bother trying to fold your sleeping bag. Stuff that thing in there!

PRO TIP: Don’t assume that water will only get into your pack from the outside. If you have a water bottle or bladder inside your pack, it could spring a leak. Protect against that too!

Do you use any of these techniques to keep your bag dry? Or do you prefer to stay home when rain is forecasted?

The post 5 Tips to Waterproof Your Hiking Backpack appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Campfire

Snowys Bloggers — Wed, 22 May 2024 13:41:55 +0000

Campfires guarantee that full camping experience. Perhaps it roots from something primal within us (?), but a campfire is a rather practical feature of the campsite too. As well as warmth and hot food infused with a subtle smokiness, they also provide light, a focal point for social gatherings, and a means of repelling insects.

In this blog, we prepare the fire pit from scratch, outlining how to light a campfire efficiently, cost-effectively, and even using wet wood.

Collect the kindling, gather the tinder, strike a match – and read on

Preparation Prevents Poor… Campfires?

Now, you could get all extreme by rubbing two sticks together, lighting a ball of wispy grass in your hand, and thumping your chest in a Bear Grylls-esque display of survival prowess.

Or, if you take the time preparing the right materials – with a few simple cheats, one match should be all you need to get a fire started safely. Sorry, that rules out that jerry can of petrol!

Before You Leave Home…

Collect these items:

Tinder: newspaper, a few small twigs, firelighters (can be store-bought or homemade).
Ignition method: lighter/matches/flint striker.
Wood processing items: a saw, hatchet, knife, and club.

Here we have some tinder (newspaper ) and ignition, in the form of a flint striker, and a hatchet for splitting logs.

Collect Enough Wood to Last 30 Minutes

At least! It makes for sloppy spectating watching someone who’s finally got their first bit of flame in damp timber, running around trying to find some more material to keep it going. Collect all the timber you think I’ll need for the majority of the time; if there’s any extra, leave it as a gift for the next person!

Be Environmentally Conscious

Don’t collect any standing timber, live or dead, as both are habitat for animals.

Organise the Timber

Do so into size stacks, based on categories of thickness – starting with the finest twigs, working up to finger-width, then arm width. It’s a good idea to have them in lengths that will make for easy use (say, half a meter). Use your wood processing tools to assist with this.

Collect Your Tinder

A crucial part of the process; it should be dry, fine, and easily take a flame, This is where having some with you already is handy. Otherwise, look for dry grass underneath tussocks, dry leaves, or the inside of bark (beware of Huntsman spiders with that last one!).

Light Your Campfire!

This is the part where it all comes together. It’s all about escalating the size of fuel as required, and utilising the wood stacks you made earlier.

Start by lighting your tinder (either natural, newspaper, twigs, or firelighters you brought from home), with some small twigs loosely placed on top. Once alight, progressively lay larger sticks just before the previous stage is burning. This gives it time to dry and warm up.

It’s recommended positioning the wood in the typical tepee shape, to give good aeration and expose most of it to the flame. Once a base of coals has built up, you can rest easy.

A nice little campfire, well on its way. Image: Kooikkari.

Starting a Fire in Wet Weather

Starting a fire in wet conditions can be an absolute nightmare, and sometimes it doesn’t even happen. That said, follow these steps and you’ll be fostering a flame in no time.

Use wood from the inside of logs; this is where it’s the most dry
Lots of kindling is key!
Use large logs or rocks to build a platform to hold your fire off of wet ground
Lay the wood beside your fire, to promote drying as you go
Bring extra materials

1. Collect Both Small Twigs and Larger Logs

Gather a good heap of wood, ranging from small twigs to larger logs. Finding plenty of dead twigs and small branches is key. These are best snapped off dead fallen trees, or even dead standing trees. You are looking for branches that make that loud cracking sound when snapped (this means they are definitely dead).

Then, collect larger pieces of wood and logs, avoiding anything that has been on the ground for too long – these will be the most sodden, and may also be hiding creepy crawlies underneath!

2. Create Some Dry Kindling

Split a large log into quarters using an axe or hatchet. The inside of larger logs will be the driest wood you can find. Then, using a hatchet or knife, shave the dry wood and create some kindling. Snap all the small twigs and place them in a heap next to where the fire is to be made.

3. Build a Platform

Use large logs or even rocks to build yourself a platform that will keep your fire off the wet ground. This will provide it with airflow, and eventually burn the wood underneath (if you choose to use logs).

4. Build Your Fire

Build your fire into a teepee shape using small twigs and branches, placing the kindling underneath. This also allows for good airflow, dries more wood while burning, and helps your fire light faster. You could also lay one large log down and lean the rest against it, lighting your fire underneath. This will both support your fire and dry large wood quickly.

5. Light Your Kindling

You are now ready to light your kindling!

If you have any paper, cloth, or other material to help ignite your fire, place it in with your kindling. Use a lighter or matches to light the dry kindling or paper. You may need to gently blow on the embers to help the fire along. Once the kindling is lit, it will burn and start to dry and catch onto the small twigs you have placed on top.

Additional materials you could add to get your fire going are:

Flavoured corn chips
Dry spaghetti
Steel wool
Cloth or clothing
Paper or toilet paper
Or, best of all, some sort of fuel-based fire-lighters. These can be purchased from most camping shops.

6. Add Wood Carefully

You now have yourself a small fire. Continue to add wood, working up by size. It’s important to keep adding plenty of wood to the fire to help it dry quickly and keep alight – remembering not to overload or smother it. Lay the rest of your wood close to the fire, allowing it to dry before burning. Continue to do this throughout the evening, and your fire will stay warm and bright.

This method will help you to light a fire. It may not be easy, but it will work!

7. Don’t Forget to Extinguish It!

As important as it is to light your fire, it is as equally important to put it out before departing the site. You can do this by extinguishing it with water, or, as a last resort, burying it with dirt or sand. The latter is not a preferred method, as the next group of people to come along may burn themselves. To prevent this and avoid injury, it should be clearly marked.

Some Final Words of Campfire Wisdom

Beware of dry leaves: too many will smother a small flame.
It’s a good idea to not use all the timber from each stack the first time, in case it does not work.
With damp timber, you’ll need more ‘small’ fuel to get the ‘bigger’ fuel to dry and catch alight. Plan for this accordingly when creating your size stacks.

From here, the fire can help with a multitude of tasks with different arrangements, such as for cooking, efficiency, warmth, or longevity. Now you’ve got the basics down pat – sit back and enjoy the warmth of your fire!

Got some tips of your own for any campfire novices out there? Let us know down below.

The post Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Campfire appeared first on Snowys Blog.

How to Re-Waterproof Your Rain Jacket

Snowys Staff — Wed, 15 May 2024 16:06:42 +0000

With winter comes stormy grey skies, darker days, and scraping ice off your windscreen in the morning. If you’re not one to allow a drizzle stop you from enjoying your weekend day trips, you’re probably relying on your rain jacket to keep you nice and dry.

During a shower, you might notice that the water on your rain jacket is no longer ‘beading off’. If you’re seeing where some spots have ‘wet through’, the good news is that it’s not quite ready for the donation bin! You likely just need to revive the DWR (Durable Water Repellence), which is easily done!

Oil or dirt build-up lessens a jacket’s breathability and water repellence, so giving it a good clean should have it back to normal again. That said, before you chuck it in the washing machine with this week’s dirty clothes, ensure you know how to give your garment the proper care it requires.

This blog outlines the steps for reviving your waterproof jacket. To ‘bead off’, read on!

If you’re hiking in winter, you’ll need to stay dry and warm in your rain jacket. Image: Sea to Summit

1. Check the Pockets, Loosen the Drawcords, and Zip it Up

From leftover trail mix, to tissues and other bits and pieces that you’d rather weren’t washed in with your jacket – be sure to dig about in your pockets to retrieve them first. Loosen any drawcords on the hood or sleeves, and close all zippers.

2. Prepare Your Washing Machine

Clean out any leftover detergent or laundry powder in the machine tray. This step is important, as conventional detergent can actually be detrimental to your waterproof garment. In some instances, the ingredients actually absorb water instead of repelling it… which isn’t the aim of the game here!

Make sure you use a specialised cleaner for maximum efficiency.

3. Add a Waterproof Textile Wash

Add the amount of specialised Nikwax Tech Wash (or similar product designed to clean Gore-tex, SympaTex, eVENT, Permatex, and other wet weather fabrics), according to the instructions.

4. Set to the Correct Cycle

Set the machine to the cycle and temperature stated on the care label.

5. Air- or Tumble-Dry

…and voila! Your jacket is ready for your next wintry adventure.

Once you’ve washed the jacket, the DWR coating should be rejuvenated.

More Tips for Hiking in the Rain

1. How Waterproof are Your Shoes?

If your boots are looking a little weather-beaten, test their performance by chucking them under the tap in the sink to ensure the water is still beading off. If they’re not repelling water properly, you can follow our guide to waterproofing and conditioning your hiking boots here.

Check the tread as well, to ensure you still have plenty of grip when hiking on wet ground and rocks.

2. Gaiters

If you’re likely to be wading through creeks and rivers, gaiters will offer additional protection against moisture. It will also shield your shoes and legs from mud, which you’re sure to encounter if hiking in winter.

Gaiters come in handy for keeping off rain and mud. Image: Sea to Summit

3. Lightweight Gear that Keeps the Head and Neck Warm

Once you warm up on the trail, that thick scarf or beanie is going to be too bulky and awkward to keep in your day pack. Save on space and weight by looking into a Buff instead. Wear it as a beanie or as a scarf (plus more) and, thanks to its moisture-wicking material, it dries very quickly if dampened.

4. Layer Your Clothing

Light, warm, and slim fitting layers are best for cold weather hiking, as they’re easy to remove one by one when warm enough on the trail.

Generally, when it comes to thermals, merino wool is going to provide the best performance in cold conditions. This is because it regulates your body temperature well, is naturally odour-resistant, and layers well thanks to its lightweight qualities.

Layer your clothes to keep nice and warm when out and about. Image: Icebreaker

5. Keep a Spare Layer + Pair of Socks in your Daypack

Just in case all else fails, and you get caught out in a freak storm! Wet feet are also (literally) a pain, as the moisture creates friction in your shoes which can cause pretty nasty blisters. For more on blister care and prevention, check out this guide here.

6. Keep Your Phone and Electronics in a Waterproof Case

A waterproof case could also be a dry sack, even if you are storing it inside your daypack. Your pack may be waterproof, but there’s only so much you can do if your phone slips out of your hand or pocket and ends up in a puddle. A ziplock bag is also a cheap and effective option you could use in a pinch – but the downside is that you likely won’t be able to effectively use the screen through the plastic.

Your phone isn’t any use to you wet, so pop it in a waterproof case. Image: Sea to Summit

7. Keep Up the Energy and Fluids

When hiking in the cold, you probably won’t notice dehydration as much as you would in warm conditions – but it’s just as important as ever to stay on top of your fluid intake. Same goes for your energy levels, by fuelling up regularly with snacks.

Monitor your fluid intake, even though you may not feel as thirsty in the cold. Image: Sea to Summit

8. Don’t go Without a Light Source (Even for a Day Hike)

If things don’t go great, and you need to rest for longer or take shelter, a head torch is a must. There is less light during the day in winter, so it’s recommended to have a light source in case you’re delayed in any way. The same goes for carrying basic lightweight survival gear.

What are your tips for keeping dry and safe when hiking in winter?

The post How to Re-Waterproof Your Rain Jacket appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep125 – Rooftop Tents, Awnings, & Everything OZtrail 2024 with Michael & Ben

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 13 May 2024 10:17:12 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

From hitting the track to hitting the sack…

…OZtrail have successfully designed and delivered rugged outdoor gear to the tourers, travellers, and thrill seekers for over 30 years. In this episode, Ben and Lauren pull up a chair for Michael and Ben from the OZtrail team to talk the origins, evolution, and future of the brand.

OZtrail have successfully designed and delivered rugged outdoor gear to the tourers, travellers, and thrill seekers for over 30 years.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:51 – Introducing Michael and Ben from OZtrail

06:30 – The Origin of the OZtrail Brand

08:50 – Good, Better, Best

11:26 – Operating Within Another Brand

15:30 – The Process of Refining Products

18:11 – Customer Feedback

21:53 – Balancing Product Expectations with Price Points

23:07 – Supplier Management and Quality Control

28:21 – The Overlander Range

32:40 – OZtrail’s Awnings

37:32 – Freestanding Awnings

40:00 – Considering Product Use

41:43 – Roof Top Tents

46:12 – Considering Colours

47:41 – Talking the Overlander Range: Tarkine, Canning, and Birdsville Roof Top Tents

49:49 – The Future of OZtrail’s Roof Top Tents

52:39 – Talking the Overlander Range: Sundowner Swags

01:01:23 – The Universal Swag Awning

01:04:15 – What’s Next for OZtrail?

01:06:41 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

OZtrail

OZtrail Galaxy Chair

OZtrail Awnings

OZtrail Overlander Range: Roof Top Tents

OZtrail Overlander Range: Sundowner Swags

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep125 – Rooftop Tents, Awnings, & Everything OZtrail 2024 with Michael & Ben appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Tent Waterhead Ratings: Explained

Ben Collaton — Fri, 10 May 2024 01:05:20 +0000

There’s a pretty good chance that if you’re on the lookout for a tent, you’ve come across the term ‘waterhead rating’ or a number like ‘1500mm’ or ‘3000 mm’ listed in the tent specifications.

So, the curiosity over what on earth this rating means led you to the internet – and voilà! You’ve landed on this article where we’re going to explain it all for you!

What is a Waterhead Rating?

In simple terms, ‘waterhead’ or ‘hydrostatic head’ is a measure of how waterproof the tent is. To be more precise: a measure of how much water pressure the actual tent fabric can withhold, before it starts to seep through.

Keep in mind that this only refers to the ability of the fabric to resist the penetration of water; it has nothing to do with the quality or durability of the fabric, or whether or not the seams are protected from water penetration. It also does not take tent design into consideration.

The waterhead rating and season rating of a tent should be considered hand in hand. A two-season tent is not designed for heavy rainfall, so it won’t have a high waterhead rating. Three- to four-season tents, on the other hand, are used in a range of weather from warm, sunny climates to cold and wet or tropical conditions. The latter need to boast higher waterproof properties.

Ratings can be a little mystifying and often leave you wondering: just how waterproof is my tent? Photo: MSRGear

How is Waterhead Rating Measured on a Tent?

The fabrics are lab-tested, and there are two types of testing methods. The first uses a device called a Suter Tester, the other involves columns filled with water that bear pressure down on the fabric. Both tests are similar.

The Suter Tester applies pressure to a piece of fabric that’s clamped down into the machine. Once water starts to penetrate the fabric, a psi measurement is taken which can then be translated to mm as the waterhead rating.

The ‘cylinder test’ involves securing a section of the fabric to the bottom of a column. The column is then filled with water, and once the water starts to penetrate the fabric, the height of the water is measured in mm. This provides the waterhead rating of the fabric.

It is important to note that these tests are in a controlled environment, and don’t take into consideration real world forces such as wind-driven rain, the effect of gravity on rain, the pressure applied by an individual standing on the fabric, or – as previously mentioned – the manufacturing considerations, such as design and seam-sealing.

A fabric’s waterproof rating is measured in mm, which represents the pressure at which water is able to press through the fabric. Photo: MSR Summit Register

Is a Higher Waterproof Rating Better?

No. Excessive waterproof coatings applied to increase the waterhead rating result in stiffer and heavier fabrics, with lessened tear-strength. Furthermore, a poorly applied coating – although providing a higher rating – can delaminate or crack. These considerations are not factored into the tests mentioned above.

Keep in mind ratings are tested in a controlled environment, so Mother Nature isn’t in full force. Photo: MSRGear

What is DWR treatment?

DWR, or Durable Water Repellant treatment, doesn’t affect the waterhead rating of a fabric. It is a surface treatment that helps shed water from the fabric (a bit like wax for your car). DWR is a handy feature, generally found on good quality tents as it prevents the fabric from ‘wetting out’ or saturating.

Tent Quality and Build Makes a Difference

Seams, zippers, tabs… wherever stitching exists are points of water entry. Good quality tents will have all seams sealed, or at least provide sealant so it can be done post purchase to prevent water penetrating the stitching holes (created during manufacture). Well-designed tents will also protect zippers, with adequately sloped walls to shed water.

High-quality tents have sealed seams which assist with keeping your tent leak free. Photo: Zempire

What you really want is a waterhead rating guide… right?

0 – 1000mm Waterhead = Water Resistant

This is 2-season tent country. The fabrics in this range will withstand light rain for short periods.

1000 – 1500mm Waterhead = Waterproof

This is the lightweight hiking tent range, and is adequate for lightweight 3-season hiking or compact camping tents.

The general consensus is that 1000mm rating is waterproof, but tent fabrics at the lower end of this range are usually made with a focus on lightweight performance rather than longevity.

1500mm is generally accepted as a good standard for hiking tents, whilst – with proper storage and care – providing a longer usable lifetime.

For 3-4 season camping you want a waterhead rating greater than 1500mm

1500 – 5000mm Waterhead = Very Waterproof

Many family tents come with ratings in this range, but would rarely require it to be as high as this upper limit. It is more of a 4-season requirement, where you may be camped out in wet weather for an extended time.

A 1500mm rating should keep you dry in a rainstorm with 120kph winds, but if you’re camped out in a large family tent in these kinds of conditions a waterhead rating will be the least of your concerns.

The main benefit of tents with a rating in this range is that they are more likely to be better quality fabrics, and will extend the usable lifetime of the tent.

5000mm+ Waterhead = Highly Waterproof

Unless you’re camping for extended periods during a monsoon, you won’t need your tent fly to have a waterhead rating this high.

Tents utilising fabrics with ratings this high are likely to be high quality and made for the purpose of weather protection in extreme conditions.

You generally won’t see waterhead ratings for tents above 10,000mm, as the chemicals in the coating can weaken the fibres which decreases fabric strength.

Tent floors are usually rated higher than the fly. Pictured is the PVC coated poly oxford floor of the Instant Up Gold Tents from Coleman. Photo: Coleman

What About the Rating for a Tent Floor?

The jury is out on this one, and the ratings can vary greatly. A tent floor needs to have a higher rating than the fly on account of the fact that the pressure we humans place on the floor of a tent is far higher than the pressure of rain hitting the fly. A quick look at Wikipedia indicates that an average human male exerts 6psi or about 6000mm of pressure or ground force when standing still. Put all this pressure on one knee and the force is much higher in one spot, lay down and the pressure is far less over a larger area.

For this reason, hiking tents ideally have a 6000mm to 10,000 mm waterhead rating, but many lightweight tents are now coming out with much lower waterheads than this in favour of less weight. It’s all a compromise.

Family tents often have a polyethylene (tarpaulin) or PVC floor, which generally don’t have a waterhead rating. This is because they form a completely waterproof and hard-wearing barrier.

Some Final Advice on Waterhead Ratings

To summarise, and help you choose your new tent – a general rule is that a good quality tent with a 1500–3000mm waterhead rating on the tent fly, along with a 6000mm+ rating on the floor (or one made from durable polyethylene or PVC), is going to keep you sheltered and dry in all but the absolute worst of conditions.

So, how does your tent hold up in adverse weather conditions?

The post Tent Waterhead Ratings: Explained appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Sleep Options for the Restless Camper

David Leslie — Tue, 07 May 2024 01:21:49 +0000

When heading on a holiday, getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things. That said, it can be hard to understand which bedding option works best when camping. No matter where you are or who you’re with, not getting some good sleep often means not having as good a time as you would otherwise.

But… what are the bedding options? How do they differ from one another? Most importantly, which is going to allow me the best night’s sleep?

In this article, we’ll look at a range of different sleeping options to give you a better idea of what you should take on your next camping or outdoor trip. Let’s take a look!

Inflatable Mattresses

Everyone has slept on an airbed or inflatable mattress before. Some have had good experiences, others not so much. An inflatable mattress relies solely on air to keep its shape and support you while you sleep.

Pros:

Very much on the cheaper side of the budget, as they are quite basic.
Available in a range of sizes, with a built-in pillow.
Given they are quite deep, they tend to be quite comfortable. Your hips stay away from the ground or other firm surface, and they conform to the shape of your body (similar to a water bed).
Can be pumped up tight for a firmer feel, or expelled of some air to soften it.

Cons:

Can be quite easily punctured.
If you puncture the mattress and it deflates slowly overnight, you wake up on the cold, hard floor!
Small holes can be very difficult to find and patch (especially at 2 o’clock in the morning).
Inflatable mattresses offer no insulation from the ground, so don’t provide a particularly warm night’s sleep. In cold conditions, they are best used with a blanket over the top.
Can be bouncy; if sleeping on a Double or Queen, you are likely to feel every movement from your partner.
Require a pump to inflate (another expense and something else to carry). Using a hand or foot pump can be tiring, and electric pumps are both noisy and require power.

Self-Inflating Mattresses

Self-inflating mattresses are similar to inflatable mattresses in that they are an airtight bag which, when sealed with air, supports your body. Inside the airtight bag is foam, which is compressed when the mattress is rolled up. When unrolled and the valves opened, the foam expands back to its original size, sucking air into the bag as it does so.

When the foam return to its full size and the bag is inflated, the valves are closed, containing the air. To pack away, simply open the valves and compress the foam, forcing the air out as you roll. By closing the valves at the end, no air will enter again, thus preventing the foam from expanding.

Pros:

As the name suggests, these mattresses will inflate on their own, negating the need for a pump.
Simple to set up: roll it out, open the valves, and walk away. Just remember to close the valves again afterwards.
Comfortable, particularly in the larger sizes.
Insulative, keeping you much warmer.
Given its foam interior, any puncture won’t result in ultimately sleeping on a cold, hard floor!

Cons:

Can occupy a lot of room.
Larger mattresses will have more foam, therefore occupy more room when packed away too.
On the other hand, some self-inflating mats available are quite thick when unrolled, but small when packed away. These mattresses will contain more air than foam, and often more expensive than thicker models.
Over time, the edges of the mattress can deteriorate (depending on the quality).
Any small punctures can be harder to locate than on inflatable mattresses. Any holes will also mean the mattress inflates in its bag when packed away, and this can cause difficulty when removing from the bag again.

Camp Stretchers

A camp stretcher is a fold out frame with a canvas (or similar material) stretched out and pulled nice and tight, supporting the body.

Pros:

Raised off the ground, making it much easier to get in and out of bed.
Quick and easy to assemble, and provide extra storage space beneath (for baggage etc.).
Compact for storage and transport.
Can be a cooler option for warm weather, given they’re raised from the ground.

Cons:

Stretchers can be quite heavy, some weighing up to 10 – 12kg.
When new, and depending on the type of stretcher, they can be a little tight. And whilst their design is easy to assemble, they tight canvas can be difficult to stretch into place.
Stretchers do not insulate you from the ground and can be very cold overnight, especially during the winter months.
Some stretchers will come padded however these will be larger and bulkier to pack away.
You may find stretchers quite firm to sleep on and are often partnered with a foam mattress or self-inflating mattress to offer a little more comfort.
Some stretcher frames can be quite rocky and creak loudly when moving around on them.

Swags

A swag is a canvas bedroll, protective from wind, rain, dirt, sand, and bugs. It can be used outside on its own, or inside a tent, caravan, or even the living room as a roll-out bed. Swags usually boast a canvas construction and come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Commonly, they come equipped with a foam mattress inside.

Pros:

An efficient source of bedding, with very little setup required. Depending on the design, most need only be rolled out before they’re ready for use.
Sleeping bag or other bedding (such as sheets and blankets) can remain inside, even when rolled up.
Most swag mattresses are made from dense foam of varying thicknesses, usually very comfortable.
Owing to their canvas construction, swags are insulative and protective from both the ground and cold outside air.

Cons:

Large and sometimes awkward to pack away and transport.
Often require transporting in a trailer or on roof racks.
Can be heavy, depending on size and canvas weight.
Can be uncomfortable in warm and humid conditions. In areas prone to bugs and insects, it’s necessary to zip yourself inside the swag completely – though this can create very hot and sticky interior conditions, and therefore an uncomfortable sleep.

When heading on a holiday, getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things. Image: OZtrail

Whichever sleeping arrangement – I recommend that you first consider how you will be transporting your chosen bedding to your destination. Upon arrival too, think that how much space will you have to set it up.

Check out our range of sleeping gear to find the right bedding that will ensure you get a good night’s sleep on your next camping holiday!

The post Sleep Options for the Restless Camper appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Camping & Hiking in Gordon Country

Sabrina Bate — Fri, 03 May 2024 01:30:00 +0000

Looking for a new camping area to explore?

Look no further than Gordon Country, an area in Goomburra and part of the Southern Downs Region (near Warwick and the Cunninghams Gap) – all less than two hours south-west of Brisbane.

Look no further than Gordon Country for your next camping getaway.

There is only one road in and out of Gordon Country, which travels past the Goomburra township and onto Inverramsay Road. Follow this road for at least 10-15 minutes and you will reach Gordon Country with plentiful camping areas, mainly next to Dalrymple Creek. It’s best to book all camping beforehand, as sometimes they can book out entirely.

Just before Gordon Country there is also the pleasant Goomburra Valley Campground where we stayed, owned and run by a lovely couple. It is also located directly across from Long Neck Farm Café where you can get a bite to eat, as well as feed some alpacas and ostriches. Just check the opening times on their website, as we walked up there only to find that they were closed. On some days they also serve wood fired pizzas!

Goomburra Valley Campground.

Gordon Country is a private property, so there is a large sign indicating not to enter unless you have notified reception. The road at this point is also not sealed; many (if not all) cars who drive through have either a large, heavy-duty vehicle and/or 4WD. There are also cows everywhere, most likely on the road, so it is advised to drive slowly.

Drive slowly on the roads!

We spotted many cows, mostly on the road.

Once you reach the very end of the road, you will end up at Main Range National Park, Goomburra Section. For those who want to camp on a budget, the QLD government has cheap camping options at Poplar Flat camping area (which is at the entrance of the National Park). Poplar (not ‘popular’) refers to a type of plant found in this area. There are toilet facilities and tap water available there, but from memory it is otherwise fairly remote with limited reception.

Main Range National Park, Goomburra Section.

Entrance to Main Range National Park, Goomburra Section.

Entrance to Poplar Flat camping area.

Poplar Flat camping area.

There are two main hiking sections here. One requires you to cross a creek crossing, where you drive further along a road to reach some lookouts, including Sylvesters Lookout (940m from the trailhead) and Mount Castle Lookout (960m from the trailhead). Other hikes include the Winder Track (12km), North Branch Track (7km), and Araucaria Falls Track (3.6km).

As we couldn’t cross the river with our car at the time (there was a lot of rain leading up to our camping trip), we remained on the side of the campground and picnic area, and completed the Dalrymple Circuit (1.2km). This was a loop track, sometimes single file, which wrapped along the creek and back down the service track to the car park. It was very doable with a 1- and 3-year-old! If you want to extend the hike, you can also continue to complete Cascade Circuit (6.5km return). For those up for a bigger challenge, there’s the option to tie in the Cascade Circuit with the Ridge Track, as these two trails connect.

We remained on the side of the campground and picnic area, and completed the Dalrymple Circuit (1.2km).

Picnic area in Gordon Country.

Wildlife of Gordon Country.

If you have extra time and are looking to hike some more, I would strongly recommend driving 40 minutes to the Cunninghams Gap. Here, you can climb Mt Cordeaux and Mt Mitchell. I have seen snakes in this area, and heard of people being bitten – so please be careful! This is one of my favourite areas to hike, as there is a subtropical feel with dense rainforest near the carpark area. If you are lucky, you will hear whip birds here too.

It is recommended to camp at Goomburra is when it’s neither too hot nor cold. As with any camping in QLD, I always recommend Spring and Autumn as ‘camping season’. It might also be good to explore other events in the Southern Downs region, such as the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (usually in September), the Tenterfield Autumn Festival (over Easter), and apple picking in Applethorpe (January through to June).

As with any camping in QLD, I always recommend Spring and Autumn as ‘camping season’.

Goomburra delivers beautiful sunsets!

We love camping at Goomburra. It is a real hidden gem, very relaxing, and – given reception is limited – encourages visitors to switch off from internet. Its camping area is perfect for stargazing, with beautiful sunsets and great swimming options too. Overall, it’s a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of city life!

Got the getaway planned, but not the gear? Check out our range of camping and hiking gear – perfect as gifts for the outdoorsy Mums too (just like Sabrina)!

Have you ever been to Gordon Country? What did you think? If not, would you go? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Camping & Hiking in Gordon Country appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep124 – Go-To Camping & Outdoor Apps

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 05:30:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Be it traversing the tracks, tracking the weather, or watching for wildlife…

…there’s an abundance of apps to make outdoor adventuring and travelling safer, easier, more interactive, and enjoyable. Some you’ll grow to rely on, others you’ll just love to have.

Enough of the doom-scrolling; gather your baggage and buckle your seatbelt, as Ben and Lauren tap into the Snowys-approved camping and outdoor apps that will boast the most benefits on your next adventure!

There’s an abundance of apps to make outdoor adventuring and travelling safer, easier, more interactive, and enjoyable.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:34 – Petrol Spy and Fuel Map

05:26 – Weatherzone and BOM

07:58 – Gas Finder

09:10 – Caravan Helper

10:31 – Hema Maps

11:47 – AllTrails and Avenza Maps

14:20 – National Parks

17:52 – WikiCamps

20:13 – CamperMate

20:49 – Camps Australia Wide

21:14 – Anycamp and Hipcamp

22:35 – Beachsafe

24:38 – National Public Toilet Map

25:58 – First Aid (Australian Red Cross)

26:44 – Bushfire.io

26:53 – what3words

30:03 – Star Walk

31:43 – iNaturalist

33:01 – Morcombe & Stewart Guide to Birds of Australia

35:57 – Wildflower Identifiers

37:13 – Geocaching

40:33 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Blogs:

outdoor travel apps

Podcasts:

how to find the best campsites

Fuel and Gas:

Weather:

Caravan:

Navigation:

National Parks

SA National Parks Tours

Campsite Finders

Safety

National Public Toilet Map

First Aid (Australian Red Cross)

Bushfire.io

what3words

Wildflower Identifiers

Plant.id

PlantNet

CRF Wildflowers

Weed Identifier Australia

Other

Star Walk

iNaturalist

Morcombe & Stewart Guide to Birds of Australia

Geocaching

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep124 – Go-To Camping & Outdoor Apps appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Guide to Cooking in a Camp Oven

Morgan Wright — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 21:21:41 +0000

Good food is at the centre of every great getaway. Both flavours and textures of food cooked in a camp oven only get better; bold, full-bodied, and robust. With some campfire finesse and camp oven flair, even the simplest meals simply come alive.

Don’t expect to master it on your first go – but with a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it, and the reward is a delicious, mouthwatering meal every time.

In this guide, we talk you through the entire camp oven cooking process: from preparing your oven to heating it to the most ideal temperature. We’ll discuss different cooking techniques, how to care for your oven, and much more.

Crank the heat, jostle the coals, and read on to rustle up the good stuff!

Once you get the hang of it, camp oven cooking will open up a new culinary world. Image: Campfire

Preparing Your Camp Oven

Preheat the camp oven on or in the main fire prior to cooking; if you place a cold camp oven on your coals, half the heat will be lost by heating up the oven as opposed to cooking your meal. A tripod is ideal for this task – or, if possible, sit the oven on top of a barbie plate in the flames. Don’t forget to heat the lid too!

When you’re ready to cook, prepare a bed of coals away from the main fire to place the camp oven atop of. If possible, scrape or dig a small hole the size of your oven and line with hot coals. This is not essential, but can be handy – especially if it’s windy.

Of course, by all means, leave the camp oven on your tripod above the flames – but cooking directly on the coals is recommended for both baking and roasting.

Prepare coals to cook your meal in your camp oven. Image: Mick Viller

Managing Environmental Factors

Keep in mind that the outside environment in which you are cooking will influence the temperature of your camp oven. Factors such as humidity, ambient temperature, and wind will all have an affect – and, unlike at home, you’re not able to adjust the heat with a quick turn of a knob!

A helpful tip here is when you’re cooking on a cold or windy day, lower your camp oven by digging a hole that’s just the right depth for the coals to nest in. Try not to open the lid too much, as the wind will blow and lessen the heat.

A cold night will affect your cooking. Image: Ozpig

How to Check the Temperature of Your Camp Oven

Gauging the heat required in relation to the volume of coals needed, and converting it all to traditional oven temperatures, can be tricky at first – but it’s actually quite simple. If you want to check how hot your camp oven is without a thermometre, here’s a super simple way to do so:

Tear off a strip of paper towel or newspaper and pop it inside the hot oven, on the top of a trivet to ensure you can accurately gauge the temperature. Take it out again and compare against the following:

If the paper is cream or pale yellow, the oven is slow to moderate (180°C)
If the paper is yellow to light brown in colour, the oven is moderate to hot (200°C)
If the paper is dark brown, the oven is very hot (230°C)
If the paper is black and smoking, the oven is too hot (250°C and over)

Converting the Coals Used to Oven Temperature:

Consider the Type of Wood

Bear in mind that different types of wood will burn hotter than others – so even though you should try to minimise the number of times you remove the lid, it is important to check every now and then to ensure it is not burning. As a general guide, check on dampers after 20 minutes and roasts after 30 minutes.

Roasting in a Camp Oven

Place a well-oiled, seasoned, preheated oven on hot coals and add the meat.
Cook the meat for 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on the size of the meat.
Vegetables like potatoes, onions, pumpkin should be added to the oven for the final 45 minutes of cooking.
Throughout the cooking process, check the temperature of the oven every 30 minutes or so. Add more hot coals if required.

Fill up your campsite with the delicious aroma of a roast. Image: OZtrail

Stewing in a Camp Oven

The longer the cooking time for stews the more tender the meat will become.
Cook over a slow to moderate oven for 1-3 hours or longer as required.

Baking in a Camp Oven

When cooking cakes and slices in trays and cake tins, it is best to put a trivet in the bottom of the camp oven.
This allows air to flow around inside the camp oven and provide even cooking.

Snowys’ resident camp cook Cam demonstrates how to create some kick-butt camp oven treats on Camp Cooking with Cam:

Caring for Your Camp Oven

It is essential to keep your cast iron camp oven in good condition for your next adventure by knowing how to clean it properly.

When cleaning your camp oven, always use warm water; cold water on a hot camp oven can cause damage. It’s also essential to oil your camp oven after cleaning, to prevent rust from developing. Although most camp ovens are fairly robust and durable, take care and avoid dropping them on hard surfaces. Keep it secure when transporting to and from the campsite by designating a special spot in your kit.

That’s all the trips and tricks we have up our sleeve about cooking in a camp oven! Ben and Lauren dig deeper into camp ovens in Episode 74, 78, and 103 of the Snowys Camping Show:

If you have any hacks for making the perfect meal in your camp oven, we would love to hear from you.

What’s your favourite camp oven recipe? Let us know in the comments!

The post Guide to Cooking in a Camp Oven appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Guide to Campfire Season

Snowys Staff — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 03:12:08 +0000

Enjoying a campfire entirely depends upon your whereabouts in Australia. In some areas, there’s not so much concern over a having campfire, but more the need to obtain a permit before you do. Daily conditions and the summer weather prior greatly influence restrictions, especially in the drier parts of the country.

The dates for Fire Danger Season change year to year depending on fuel loads, short-term weather conditions, and the long-term climate in each area. This blog will guide you through the Campfire Season – plus, with the help of a few of our most popular blogs, you can safely enjoy all the cosy-comforts of camping in the cooler months.

Always clear the area around your campfire.

Fire Danger Season Dates

Fire restrictions during the warmer months are in place mostly around the drier states of Australia like SA, VIC, and WA. As a general rule, the dates span from November through to April, give or take a few months.

Other states don’t necessarily adopt a blanket rule around restrictions, but require permits instead. A permit ensures the relevant Emergency Services have a heads-up on why, when, where, and how the burn will take place, and imposes conditions around how it is both lit and maintained.

Follow the links most appropriate to you and your location for more details on current dates and restrictions. This information has been researched in reference to camping and campfires – backyard fires, bonfires, burn-offs, etc. carry their own restrictions. Please seek advice from your local council or authorities before you burn.

QLD

State of Queensland (Queensland Fire & Emergency Services)

Fire season extends from July through to October, but can extend to February.
Despite this predominant time period, bushfires can occur at any time.
These times can vary depending on conditions of bushland, long-term climate, and short-term weather.
The information found here from the QPWS is a great resource.

ACT

ACT Emergency Services Agency

Fire season extends from October through to the end of March.
Recreational fires are allowed with a permit during bushfire season, however not permitted at all during a Total Fire Ban.

NSW

NSW Rural Fire Service

Fire season extends from October through to the end of March.
Open fires are only allowed with a permit.

VIC

Country Fire Authority

Fire season can extend from October through to the end of April or early May.
Timeframes differ depending on the municipality.
Permits may be required.

TAS

Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service

Generally restrictions are placed depending on forecasted weather conditions and outlooks by the BOM.
Campers need to check to current ‘alerts’ information on relevant areas to know if campfires are permitted.

SA

South Australian Country Fire Service

Fire season extends from November through to the end of April.
Fire season in the North East and North West Pastoral start in October and run through March.
Specific timeframes differ depending on the district.

WA

Department of Fire & Emergency Services

Northern WA – fire season extends from June through to October
Southern WA – fire season extends from October through to April

NT

NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services

Permits are required year-round in Emergency Response Areas.
Policy in other fire districts is governed by local and seasonal conditions.
Burning is not allowed in municipal areas (e.g. Darwin and Palmerston).

Fire Safety and Preparation for Camping

Fires can spark at a moment’s notice regardless of the season – so no matter where you are or what you’re doing, be fire-ready and fire-safe. Following some basic guidelines with common sense is both vital and potentially life-saving.

This article focuses on how we as campers can be responsible with our campfires, and how we can stay safe heading into the bush.

Camp Oven Cooking Temperature Guide & Techniques

The beautiful flavours and textures you get from cooking over a campfire are like no other, and even the simplest meals come alive when infused with that special camp oven flair.

In this guide, we talk you through the whole camp oven cooking process – from preparing your oven, to heating it to the best temperature. We then discuss the different cooking techniques, how to care for your oven, and a whole lot more.

Guide to Seasoning Your Camp Oven

Seasoning your camp oven gets it ready for non-stick cooking so that your food doesn’t taste like metal, or whatever the oven has come packed in. Seasoning also prevents rusting, so that you can use your camp oven for years, decades, or even a lifetime!

Whether your camp oven is new or needs a little TLC, this article offers a step-by-step technique that can be used on any cast iron or steel cookware – camp oven, frypan, jaffle iron, or skillet.

Image: David Laslett

How to Make Damper in a Camp Oven

There are loads of damper recipes online. Most of them require you to use lots of ingredients and work the dough for a few minutes.

When you work damper too much it pushes all of the air out and makes the dough dense. We have lost count of how many times we have prepared this version of damper and no matter how many times we cook this recipe it always turns out perfect – crunchy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.

Image: Mick Viller

Tips for Campfire Cooking at Home

That autumn chill is starting to kick in and it’s time to retire your thongs and shorts in favour of the ugg boots and trackies. Depending on where you live, you don’t have to save campfire cooking only for when you’re sleeping in a tent. Why not bring those tastes, smells and sounds into your backyard and stay cosy while making the most of being at home.

This article talks you through some campfire options from portable pits to specialised cookers. There are also details on cookware and charcoal vs wood, plus a couple of meal ideas just to whet your appetite.

Cook Up a Feast this Campfire Season

Whether is a new camp oven you’re after or a jaffle iron, skillet, bedourie, or grill, this page has them all plus loads more!

We’ve got cast iron and spun steel, plus collapsible firepits and Ozpig cooker/heaters with accessories galore. We live and breathe outdoor adventures – hiking, camping, 4WDing and love sharing our campfire cooking tips. Join in on the conversation with our Snowys Camping Show podcast Facebook group for all the chitchat on Comparing Cast Iron & Spun Steel Camp Ovens. Or, if you need any help to decide what gear suits you and your campfire setup best, give us a call on 1300 914 007 or shoot us a message, service@snowys.com.au

Stay warm, keep safe and eat well, folks!

What adventures are you planning for this campfire season?

The post Guide to Campfire Season appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep123 – Weird & Wonderful Camping Gear #3

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:46:32 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

If you thought two episodes of nonsense inventions and head-scratcher gadgets were quite enough…

Ben and Lauren respectfully challenge that with another twenty! Some are practical, some are peculiar, most are weird, and all are wonderful!

In their third episode of the sort, things get weirder without much warning.

Some are practical, some are peculiar, most are weird, and all are wonderful!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

04:04 – Campfire Popcorn Pan

05:59 – Portable Quad-Fold Camping Snack and Drink Table

07:12 – Fly Repellent Fans

09:19 – Sea to Summit Detour Stainless Steel Utensil Set

11:45 – Fitted Table Cloth

13:17 – Campfire Camp Stove Toaster

14:50 – Kammock Outpost: Vehicle-Based Hammock Stand

16:30 – Pocket Sink

18:41 – Bear Watch System: Portable Electric Fence

21:39 – Magic Fort

23:27 – Guy Rope Lights

24:22 – Lumberjack Flat Titanium Wood Stove

26:02 – SUP Tent

28:39 – Mars Players – The One (All-In-One Heater, Cooker, Lighting System, Chiller, and SOS)

32:26 – Cable Lathe

34:16 – Makita Outdoor Adventure Range

36:08 – PuriBag Water Filter

39:15 – Portable Desal

40:39 – Gerber Freescape Camp Saw

41:36 – GoSun Infusion Solar Camp Oven

45:15 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Blogs:

Weird, Wonderful & Disturbingly Strange Camping Gear – by Ben Collaton

Podcasts:

Ep57 – Weird & Wonderful Camping Gear #1

Ep96 – Weird & Wonderful Camping Gear #2

Products:

Campfire Popcorn Pan

Portable Quad-Fold Camping Snack and Drink Table

Fly Repellent Fans

Sea to Summit Detour Stainless Steel Utensil Set

Fitted Table Cloth

Campfire Camp Stove Toaster

Kammock Outpost: Vehicle-Based Hammock Stand

Pocket Sink

Bear Watch System: Portable Electric Fence

Magic Fort

Guy Rope Lights

Lumberjack Flat Titanium Wood Stove

SUP Tent

Mars Players – The One (All-In-One Heater, Cooker, Lighting System, Chiller, and SOS)

Cable Lathe

Makita Outdoor Adventure Range

PuriBag Water Filter

Portable Desal

Gerber Freescape Camp Saw

GoSun Infusion Solar Camp Oven

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep123 – Weird & Wonderful Camping Gear #3 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Sunshine, Sand, & Sweat: The Cooloola Great Walk

Caitlin Albert — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 22:17:37 +0000

The Cooloola Great Walk, with its diverse landscapes and UNESCO glory, had been calling to me for months. Now, with my backpack packed and hiking boots laced, I was ready to conquer the entire 88.1 kilometres.

This walk typically takes five days to complete, starting at Tewantin and ending at Rainbow Beach. You can see the map here.

The Cooloola Great Walk had been calling me for months.

Planning the Adventure:

Timing:

The dry season, from April to October, is the ideal time to walk, with cooler temperatures and less rain. Although, June surprised me with stunning sunshine! Maybe a little too stunning, with those high 20s temperatures. But hey, who complains when lake swims feel like heaven after a day of trekking?

Logistics:

This is a one-way hike, meaning transport is key. My friend and I decided to start our hike from Tewantin in Noosa North Shore and finish in Rainbow Beach. I strongly recommend completing the hike in this direction, this way you’ll end at the iconic Carlo Sandblow instead of a dusty road.

We left one car at the Rainbow Beach trailhead, and one at the QPWS Great Sandy information centre just before the Noosa North Shore ferry terminal. Greyhound buses also run from Noosa to Rainbow and vice versa; prices and times vary, so check their website.

Permits:

You need to book each campsite separately at Queensland Parks and Wildlife. Camping is $7 a night, and spots are limited. You can book your site and find out more information about available facilities here.

Supplies:

Be self-sufficient, as there are no shops on the trail.

Hitting the Trail:

Let me walk you through my itinerary…

June surprised me with stunning sunshine!

Day 0: Organisation Day!

We drove to Rainbow Beach, dropped a car, and zipped back to Noosa. The Villa Noosa hotel, conveniently located next to a supermarket, became our home base. We popped over to Woolworths to grab all our meals. Both Coles and Woolworths offer a surprisingly delicious range of dehydrated meals, perfect for an easy weekend getaway. Some of my favourites are mac and cheese, mie goreng, and microwave rice sachets.

With an “unlawful” amount of chocolate bars and complimentary hotel wine, we packed our bags.

Day 1: Noosa North Shore to Brahminy Walkers’ Camp

17.3 km, 6 hours

Starting at the QPWS Great Sandy information centre, we ditched one car and strolled to the Tewantin ferry (gold coin donation). After a short walk from the ferry terminal to the trailhead (30-45 minutes), the official hike began. Day one includes a stroll along the beach. This section is also popular with 4×4 enthusiasts.

Day One includes a stroll along the beach.

Our lightweight camp setup.

Day 2: Brahminy Walker’s Camp to Dutgee Walkers Camp

20.3 km, 7 hours

Day two is the toughest. After a challenging day one, you get the joy of backing it up with another big day. However, today you will cross the Cooloola Sand Patch. Although not an easy walk, it was an otherworldly experience; we felt like we were on the set of Dune.

Dutgee is located on the Noosa River, so you can enjoy an afternoon swim. However, it’s important to be aware that sharks have been spotted in the area. Always swim at your own risk and heed any posted warnings or safety guidelines.

Day Two is the toughest!

Cooloola Sand Patch.

The river nearby our campsite.

Day 3: Dutgee Walkers’ Camp to Litoria Walkers’ Camp

14.8 km, 5.5 hours

I always find day three is where things start to get easier. By this point, you realise ‘I’ve got this!’. In high spirits, we strolled through the forest, excited for what lay ahead.

Day 4: Litoria Walkers’ Camp to Kauri Walkers’ Camp

20.5 km, 7 hours

Day four is the longest distance-wise, so make sure you save some lollipops. You’ll walk through the rainforest; its cooler climate is a treat after trudging through the open, exposed landscapes of the previous days.

The cooler climate through the rainforest was a real treat after trudging through open landscapes.

Day 5: Kauri Walkers’ Camp to Carlo Car Park Track Entrance

15.2 km, 5 hours

Today was the shortest day, and it’s always nice to finish on a half-day. We stopped at Lake Poona for a little break, where we finally got mobile phone reception. Perfect timing, as my final Uni grades were set to be released! I sat there thinking, ‘if there’s any place to find out I’ve failed, it’s here.’

Good news – I passed! With a spring in my step and a massive weight off my shoulders, we continued on. Just before the end, we reached the Carlo Sandblow. It was incredible! We ran down the sandy hill in awe of the sight before us. What a great way to end our trip!

Carlos Sand Blow.

Other Helpful Information:

Water:

All the walker camps have water tanks – but the water is untreated, so we filtered all our water each morning.

Toilets:

All the walker camps have basic drop toilets.

Walking on Sand:

This may sound funny coming from a seasoned hiker (or at least I thought I was!), but walking on sand is a whole different beast. Start early, pace yourself, and befriend your hiking poles.

Brahminys Walker’s Camp:

This camp often gets busy over the weekend, as it’s a popular one-night walk.

Animal Cages:

Each campsite has dingo cages to store your gear overnight and prevent wild animals from stealing food.

Our last campsite!

Pricing Breakdown:

Item	Cost	Breakdown
Campsites	$28	$7/night for 4 nights
Accommodation	$120	One night end of the hike in a hotel.
Food	$60	All meals brought from Woolies.
Fuel:	$50	One tank.
Ferry:	$1
Total	$259

Remember:

It’s a holiday, not bootcamp! Sleep in, birdwatch, and indulge in that chocolate.

See you on the trail!

XO Caito

Celebrating at Rainbow Beach, post hike!

Ever tackled the Cooloola Great Walk? What was your experience?

Got the idea, but not all the gear? Hit the trails this hiking season with our range of low-priced hiking gear here!

The post Sunshine, Sand, & Sweat: The Cooloola Great Walk appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Camping Etiquette: Being the Best Camper

Barry Peters — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 21:07:10 +0000

Remember the days when camping meant chucking the tent and sleeping bags in the back of the vehicle, loading up some food and drink, and facing the vehicle in the general direction desired? No bookings, no permits, no fees, no people… just wide open spaces with beautiful spots along rivers, creeks, and beaches. I can hear the voices now (‘Is this guy dreaming? ‘Which planet is he on?’. All this means is that you are probably a lot younger than me!).

Read on for tips on how to be the best camper at the site.

Luckily, there still are some places where you can get away from it all – but a trip to many of the well-known destinations is certainly not one of them. These days, camping often means being in close proximity to others. Some basic courtesies can help make the experience a positive one. This is more so within the crowded campgrounds of the Kimberley in the dry, and those highly sought-after spots along the coast during the summer months.

So – after 40 years of camping experience and a recent three-month trip up the centre and through the Kimberley – here are some of my thoughts to help ensure a happy and safe camping trip!

Nowadays, you’ll likely be sharing with others at popular camping sites.

Keep the music down.

I like Eric Clapton. Do you? Ah… no, you prefer the 4th Aria in the 5th movement of Handel’s second symphony. I know this because I could hear it until 11:30 pm last night.

No matter how brilliant your music collection is, the rest of the campground does not need to hear it. Handel sounds great when you are travelling along in the vehicle – but, like other things, it is best done in the privacy of your own home. If you must bring the iPod, use the headphones. Remember: in the calm of the night, if your group can hear it, so can many around you.

Music disturbs other campers and the local wildlife.

Only Use Generators During the Day

Happy hour generally starts at around 4-5pm, depending on just how happy you want to be. Just as the top flips, the cork pops, and that beautiful ‘glug’ sounds forth, a steady hum invades the brain.

Hang on, I haven’t started drinking yet. What’s that invasive noise? Before long, a symphony of internal combustion dis-harmony rings through the air…

Generators are fast becoming part of the kit for many campers. However, despite how you-beaut the technology, the sound carries – especially at night. Many campgrounds now have a generator area away from other campers. It’s there for a reason. If this isn’t feasible for you, at least ensure your generator is turned off by early evening. If batteries require charging, do it during the day when the sound is better disguised by other noises and people are more likely to be out and about. Better still, embrace the solar revolution and charge for free!

Solar power is a more considerate way to get power off the grid.

Dispose of Waste Properly and Safely

Now – it is time to be a little indelicate, as the discussion needs to turn to wee and poo.

As camping areas become more and more crowded, ridding ourselves of what’s become of breakfast, lunch, and dinner is becoming increasingly difficult. Luckily, many National Park and commercial campgrounds now have reasonable toilet facilities. However, many don’t – nor do many of the free camps becoming more and more popular. Many campgrounds are now so popular that even digging a hole is not possible.

There’s nothing worse than discovering used toilet paper in the bush.

If digging a hole is possible, ensure paper is burned (keeping in mind fire restrictions) before back-filling. Animals are attracted to smells and will often dig up toilet holes. This results in toilet paper floating freely around the area.

Ensure children are well supervised in the toileting process. Under no circumstances should you just go behind a bush and leave used toilet paper behind. This is nothing short of revolting for those that follow! Zip-lock bags are a cheap, effective, and simple way of taking used toilet paper to be disposed of properly. For more on leaving no trace, check out this blog.

Snowys have a variety of toileting solutions, from seats with bags to portable chemical toilets. These are now cheap, clean, and easy to use. The number of dump points is increasing all the time, with a deep hole always an option. However, never empty these into septic systems, as the chemicals destroy the system. Tampons and pads are also sure to block any flushing toilet system.

For more on this, tune into Ben and Lauren’s discussion on the Snowys Camping Show:

Campfires

As happy hour rolls on and darkness closes in, another basic human urge takes hold – the need for fire. Is there anything more mesmerising and calming than the flickering of the flame and the glow of coals?

After the raucous discussions of toilet techniques, it’s time to eat and settle down for some calmer chat around the fire – with a cuppa, a warming port, or other beverage of choice.

But first: achieving this most basic of needs.

As camp spots become more popular, firewood is at a premium. Collecting any near popular spots is near impossible. To enjoy the ambience of a fire, bring your own wood or use heat beads in a small brazier. It is amazing how little wood is needed to keep a handful of people warm and enjoying that beverage of choice.

Use existing fireplaces, too. It never ceases to amaze me upon arrival to a nice spot the number of fireplaces dotted around even a fairly small area. This significantly reduces the areas to pitch a tent, or set up a table and chairs.

Personally, I choose to cook using my gas stove and leave my firewood for the ambience of the evening.

Don’t char more of the land then what you need, use an established fire pit.

Keep the Kids in Check

I was lucky enough to go camping as a kid, and I took my own kids camping from an early age. I remember being able to run free around the bush because our group was the only one there and I wasn’t impinging on anyone.

This is now a rare privilege, with most people having to share their camping experience with others around them. Children should be going camping, but safely and with respect for other campers. This means no screaming, shouting, or running through others campsites – especially in the evening. That refers to both adults and children, actually.

Supervise the kids properly when out camping.

Pick Up Your Rubbish

Rubbish, rubbish, everywhere – but not a bin in sight.

Like other human waste, general rubbish is a fact of life. Even though we don’t get to drive the big truck with the massive compactor, we all need to take on the role of refuse-engineer when camping.

Some campsites do have bins, but these are often emptied irregularly – especially in more remote areas. It does not take a degree in physics and meteorology to know that wind will blow rubbish out of an overflowing bin and gravity will ensure it litters the area around it.

If there is no bin, or if it is full, take it with you to dispose of it properly. Waste paper and cardboard can be kept separately and used to light the fire, if required.

If the bin is full, take your rubbish out with you.

Camping is one of life’s greatest pleasures – and it can remain that way, even in a more crowded world. It just takes a little planning, thoughtful approach to the environment, and consideration to those around us. If we all do our bit to ensure that the beautiful areas of our country remain open to us, we will all be happy campers!

Camping is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

What do you do to be a considerate camper? Let us know in the comments.

The post Camping Etiquette: Being the Best Camper appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The 7 Leave No Trace Principles

Emily Mei — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 23:44:45 +0000

While most campers, hikers, and all-around explorers will have heard of the Leave No Trace principles – how many could you name off the top of your head? Granted, probably a few – but if your memory is a tad rusty, let’s revisit the 7 Leave No Trace principles.

Let’s revisit the Leave No Trace principles. Image: Sputnik

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

It seems like a no-brainer, but next time you decide to head out for a spontaneous weekend away, take a few extra steps to ensure you’ve done some planning. This includes researching the place you’re visiting, in case there are special rules or requirements that you need to follow.

Always take everything you could need in an emergency. This includes:

A PLB
A lightweight emergency shelter
A first aid kit, emergency blanket, and
An extra day’s worth of food.

This way, you won’t have to resort to improvising or making decisions that have the potential to negatively impact the local environment (such as building a makeshift shelter or lighting a campfire in a restricted area).

Sand is considered a suitable surface to pitch your tent on. Photo: Black Wolf

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Travelling and camping on resistant, long-lasting surfaces is an important one. If you’re camping in an area that has designated campsites or platforms, make sure you use those. When hiking or exploring, always walk along the designated tracks to keep activity to one area.

According to Leave No Trace Australia, soft plants, muddy sites, and fragile soil layers are non-durable surfaces and should be avoided. Instead, rock outcrops, sand, gravel, dry grasses, snow, and tent platforms are considered durable to travel across and camp on.

Only use biodegradable soap and strain and scatter dishwater when you’re done with it. Photo: Sea to Summit

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Everything you bring with you must be taken out. Don’t burn or bury rubbish, as this will still attract animals and put them at risk – not to mention the fumes a fire will emit, and the greater risk of bushfires that will create. Take all your rubbish and waste out with you in plastic or leak-proof trash bags. Alternatively, use a spare wheel bin bag – this will keep native wildlife out of your rubbish as well as the stink out of your car.

Ensure that you dispose of human waste properly too. If you’re using a portable camp toilet, only rid yourself of waste at a designated waste dump point. Otherwise, pack a trowel with you for bathroom visits. To go to the toilet in the bush responsibly, dig a hole away roughly 20cm deep away from water sources, campsites, and trails – then cover and disguise properly. You shouldn’t bury toilet paper, so take it with you in a Ziploc bag until you can dispose of it properly.

Hot water works really well for washing dishes – but if you must use detergent or soap, only choose the biodegradable kind. After you’ve finished washing your dishes, strain the water to catch food scraps and scatter it at least 50m from water sources.

If you see rubbish when you’re out and about, be a good citizen and take it with you. It’s not nice to clean up after others, but it’s better than leaving it for an animal to find.

Pack it in, pack it out – simple! Photo: Sea to Summit.

4. Leave What You Find

Despite that last line…

When you’re out exploring or hiking a trail, there are so many incredible things to discover along the way. While it can be tempting to pick up a perfectly shaped pebble, a feather from a rare bird, or a wildflower in bloom – if you remove it from its environment, it robs the next person of the experience of discovering it too. If you’re going to be travelling across an area where you know there is a site of cultural or spiritual significance, it is still possible to absorb it all without touching or interfering in any way.

Another example of leaving what you find is cleaning your boots and tyres thoroughly. This avoids introducing anything new into a fragile environment.

There are so many incredible things to discover – just make sure you leave them be. Photo: Eve Woods.

5. Minimise Campfire Impacts

Campfires are a predominant aspect of camping. They add warmth, atmosphere, and a means of cooking delicious meals. However, they pose a risk for the habitats of local wildlife, char and damage the landscape, and – of course – can greater the chance of bushfires.

While a camping stove and lantern don’t necessarily provide the same atmosphere of a campfire, they’ll help in leaving as little impact as possible. Only light a fire in a permitted area and, if you do so, use an established fire ring or pit. By doing so, you’re keeping the damage to the areas that are arranged for that purpose.

In regards to fuel for your fire, use eco-friendly timber options such as compacted wood briquettes to prevent depleting and destroying native habitat. For more on campfire etiquette, head here.

Keep the impact from your campfire to a minimum. Photo: Darche

6. Respect Wildlife

If you happen to spot native animals out in the wild, it can be quite special to observe them. That said, keep a respectful distance so as to not disturb their instinctive and natural behaviours, or frighten them from their own habitat.

It is essential to keep your food secure and not intentionally feed local animals. Foraging for and eating ‘human’ food can be damaging to both the health and behaviour of native species. This circles back to an earlier-mentioned principle: ensuring you leave everything as you find it. Take all rubbish and food with you to both limit its risk to animals and to avoid an unsightly mess!

If you’re keen to observe the animals, bring a pair of binoculars to watch from a distance without disturbing their normal way of life.

While it is exciting to spot an animal in the wild, keep a respectful distance. Photo: Coleman

7. Be Considerate of Your Hosts and Other Visitors

Whilst we all want to feel a sense of freedom and escape when we head outdoors, we’ll always be sharing our space with other people and animals on our travels. With this in mind, here are some things to think about to remain considerate.

If you bring your pets along, keep their behaviour under control so they don’t disturb others. This includes averting them from local wildlife, and preventing them from foraging and digging.
Consider how bright lighting at night may affect someone else’s experience – not to mention how it disturbs the nocturnal animals pre-existing in the area.
Generators can make a lot of noise, so try not to run them at night or in the early hours of the morning. The same goes for loud music; this will keep others from sleeping or enjoying their night.

Keep a respectful distance from wildlife so as to not disturb their instinctive and natural behaviours (shouldn’t be hard to do when it comes to snakes!). Image: Sputnik

So, there you have it!

The 7 Leave No Trace principles. We all want to continue camping, hiking, and exploring what this great country has to offer for many years to come. A little more mindfulness means that we can keep the natural environment in as pristine condition as possible.

Happy adventuring, everyone!

A little more mindfulness means that we can keep the natural environment in pristine condition. Image: Sputnik

What else do you do to ensure that you’re minimising your impact on your outdoor adventures? Let us know in the comments.

The post The 7 Leave No Trace Principles appeared first on Snowys Blog.

How to Set Up the Perfect Camp Shower

Ben Collaton — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:29:10 +0000

A shower in the morning can kick start your day, while a wash in the evening can help you to relax into the night. Whenever your preference, there is nothing like a nice, hot shower – and if you’re camping, this means having some sort of outdoor shower setup.

Just as there is more than one way to cook an egg, there is more than one way to have a bush shower. From a quick and simple rinse for the sake of maintaining hygiene, to an invigorating wash – warm water against your skin counteracting the cool, crisp air while listening to sounds of wildlife surrounding your campsite is an experience you just don’t get at home!

So – how do you set up a portable camping shower, and what do you need to do so? To start you off on the right track, we’ve established three different setup categories to meet everyone’s requirements.

Feel free to jump ahead to your preferred setup:

The Basic: ‘Weight is important, and I just need to maintain hygiene.’
The Affordable: ‘As long as I can have a warm shower, I’m happy.’
The Luxurious: ‘I don’t care what it costs, I will not go without a steaming hot shower!’

From basic to luxury, there are a few showering options when off the grid. Image: Sea to Summit

The Basic

Keeping Clean at the Minimum Weight

For hiking and trekking adventures, the weight of your gear is important – but so is hygiene. If every gram counts on your next adventure, try the below wash options.

1. The Waterless Wash

This is as simple as it gets, and also a good option for chilly nights when you don’t want to get cold and wet. All you need is some baby wipes and sanitising gel. Use the baby wipes to clean your body, ensuring you reach all the stinky parts, and the hand sanitiser on your… well, hands.

It’s a good idea to use wipes that are biodegradable, like those from Sea to Summit.

Wilderness Wipes are the simplest way to shower outdoors. Image: Sea to Summit

2. Shower in a Cup

This is something an old friend of mine learned from his Army Reserve days, used when water was is in short supply on long treks. The idea is that you can ration your shower to one cup of water, or about 250mL.

Fill your cup, then grab a lightweight towel and some biodegradable soap. Scrub away until your water ration runs out.

It goes without saying that this is by no means a luxurious shower.

Showering in a cup isn’t glamorous, but it works when water supplies are low. Image: Sea to Summit

3. Improvised Wash Basin

This is my preferred washing method on long hikes, or camping trips where there are no showers but ready access to water. It’s a little like the cup method described above, only you can use enough water to fill a dry bag rolled down to create a basin. This way you have enough water to wash your body, hair, and even some clothes. You can even heat up the water beforehand.

Note that this method is best at remote campsites where no-one else is around to catch a glimpse of you au-naturel. For more on lightweight hygiene, head here.

On longer hikes, a dry bag can be used as a basin.

The Affordable

These camping showers don’t do everything for you, but still provide a good shower with some improvisation. If you want a warm shower, you’ll need to be able to heat up the water first and 12V power may be required.

If you don’t want to do it all handheld, you’ll also need to get creative for the setup of the shower – but with a little effort, you can set up a portable camping shower anywhere at a reasonable price!

1. Canvas Bucket Shower

This is the classic outback shower: a canvas bucket with a shower rose at the bottom, filled with hot water and hoisted into a tree. Low technology, so little to go wrong – but these units are too heavy for use inside a shower tent, so you’ll need to be comfortable showering in the open. Or, improvise some sort of screen.

You will need a way of heating up the water first – and don’t forget a length of rope to suspend your shower.

Solar showers are great – simple, but the water is warm for extra comfort. Image: Aaron Schubert

2. Solar Showers

Another simple shower setup. These are black or dark-coloured bags with a small shower rose and hose attached. The dark colour absorbs the heat and, once filled with water and left in the full sun for around three hours (the bonnet of your car is a good spot), you’ll have a bag full of warm water to shower with. Then, you can hoist these into a tree just as you would the canvas bucket – and your shower is ready to go!

Solar showers are also too heavy for shower tents to support, so you’ll need to suspend it somewhere and improvise a screen if required. The other drawback is that the nozzle usually needs to be handheld (they don’t always hang at the best angle).

3. 12V Electric Shower

12V showers are generally cheap, light, and easy to use with flexible hoses and a 12V pump that you stick in a bucket of warm (or cold) water. They even provide good pressure if the bucket height is close to that of the shower head. The shower rose is light enough to suspend in a shower tent or on any structure, such as a roof rack or pole. It can also be used handheld.

You will still need to warm up the water first, and they can require a little more maintenance to ensure a long life. Giving the pump a spray with CRC or WD40 is an easy way to help with this.

12V showers are lightweight and affordable. Image: Companion

The Luxurious

Just the full outback spa and bush shower package, please!

If a steaming hot shower is something you can’t (or won’t) do without at the end of the day, I’d recommend an all-in-one portable hot water and shower systems for your camping adventures. With these units, you can set temperature and flow rate – and with the addition of a few accessories, create your own spa in the serenity of your campsite.

You will need both gas to heat the water and 12V power for the pump, as well as a few batteries for the internal electrics. That said, the time spent packing extra gear will be long forgotten once you’re standing under a piping hot stream of water in your campsite.

There are a few different units to choose from; let’s start from the top shelf:

If you want luxury, look no further than a hot water system. Image: Smarttek

1. Smarttek Black Smart Hot Water System

This is the ‘ducks nuts’ of portable hot water systems.

The Smarttek Black Smart Hot Water System is great for basecamp-style setups (i.e. you’re staying in the same location for a while). They are simple to use and easy to set up, especially with the optional quick connect fittings; the best outdoor shower for those not willing to skimp on comfort when camping!

This portable hot water unit will heat to over 50 degrees, capable of flow rates up to 6 litres per minute and can draw water from 10+ metres away, depending on your setup. To create a truly relaxing experience, there is a host of optional accessories available – including a fully equipped ensuite shower tent.

If the availability of a hot shower is the only thing stopping a non-camper from going bush, the Smarttek Black Smart Hot Water Shower will more than likely convert them!

When you’re staying somewhere a while, a smart hot water system is ideal. Image: Smarttek

2. Companion AquaHeat Lithium Gas Shower

Companion have brought the best of new-age technology to their products with their Lithium gas shower.

With an integrated and rechargeable Lithium battery, you can get between 60-120 minutes of run time off a full charge. Its 2L per minute flow rate and the built-in gas regulator with BOM connection provides the ability to use either a propane cartridge or a ULPG cylinder (with a separately available hose), while quick-connect fittings make for a hassle-free attachment of the 1.5m pump hose and 2.5m shower hose! The AquaHeat also allows you to recharge while showering by operating directly from the included 2V DC lead and connector, or a separately available AC adaptor.

Enjoy hot water in seconds – anywhere, anytime!

Enjoy more privacy with a shower tent. Image: Darche

3. Shower Tent

It can be quite enlivening to shower butt-naked in a remote campsite with only your loved ones in sight, but to do so in an area that is also occupied by other campers is generally considered inappropriate.

If the latter is what you are likely to encounter, you’ll need a shower tent. The pop-up versions of these are easy to set up and provide privacy for both your shower and portable toilet, but aren’t sturdy enough to suspend a shower rose from.

For the complete shower setup, consider a shower tent with a rigid frame and guy ropes for a reliable place to mount the shower rose. Most of these will also have a waterproof area to hang your clothes and towel, and often include pockets for your toiletries. There are even two-room versions, so you can create a complete campsite ensuite.

What About a Camp Shower Base?

Most good shower tents will come with some sort of floor, usually of tarp or mesh, which work just fine. As an upgrade, we recommend using foam matting as your camp shower base. This is nicer to stand on and creates a barrier between you and the soggy ground, meanwhile allowing the water to run off and away.

There are some more luxe portable shower trays available that catch the water and channel it away via a waste hose, but we don’t carry these at Snowys. They tend to get a little bulky and difficult to transport for camping.

Biodegradable soaps and washes aid in leaving no trace. Image: Sea to Summit

Don’t Forget to Leave No Trace

Aim to leave nothing but footprints when you leave your campsite. Carry out your rubbish and have some consideration around the items you need to leave at the campsite, such as wastewater. It is important that we use biodegradable soaps and washes when we are showering in the bush, as this minimises our impact on the environment.

We also need to consider where the runoff from our camp shower ends up. Always set up your shower at least 100m from both wet and dry river and creek beds – the same rule applies to camp toilets.

Check out our range of environmentally friendly washing and cleaning solutions here.

Ben and Lauren also discuss camping and outdoor shower options on the Snowys Camping Show:

What’s your favourite method for staying clean on an outdoor adventure?

The post How to Set Up the Perfect Camp Shower appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep122 – Keeping it Clean with Camp Showers

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 02:44:26 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Yeah, Ben and Lauren scrub up alright.

In this episode, they keep it classy in their squeaky clean discussion of what makes a good portable shower.

From pared-back shower bags and basic bucket setups, to compact 12-volt appliances and gas hot water systems – your favourite outdoor experts run the tap on the range of shower options for a refreshingly rustic cleanse out bush!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren run the tap on the range of outdoor showers available. Image: Smarttek

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:57 – Camp Showers

04:29 – Traditional Shower Bags

08:33 – Bucket Showers

12:08 – 12-Volt Showers

16:22 – Deluxe 12-Volt Showers and Hot Water Systems

24:28 – Shower Tents

28:59 – Pop-Up Buckets

31:25 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Camp Showers

Sea to Summit Pocket Shower 10L

12-volt showers

Rechargeable showers and hot water systems

Companion AquaHeat Lithium Gas Shower

Shower tents

Sinks, Tubs & Buckets

Blogs:

‘How to Set Up the Perfect Outdoor Camp Shower’ by Ben Collaton

Brands:

Smarttek

Companion

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep122 – Keeping it Clean with Camp Showers appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The Choc-A-Block Easter Blog: Tips for Fun Family Camping

Snowys Staff — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 18:53:41 +0000

With the smell of hot cross buns wafting wherever we go, and the temptation of chocolate-shaped-everything in every supermarket – it’s apparent that the four-day Easter weekend is once again on our (bunny) tails.

Every year, we promise ourselves we’ll be super organised; there’s nothing worse than taking off on an adventure and realising you’ve left something at home. You know, like a child.

Kidding.

More often than not though, it’s ultimately a mad rush to stock up on groceries and grab those extra bits and bobs before heading off.

So – buckle up for our choc-a-block guide to a fun, family-friendly, four-day Easter camping weekend! In this blog, we address the planning process, suggestions for the packlist, campsite cooking, and how to keep the keep the kids under wraps (when the chocolate no longer is)!

A whole four days away is just what everyone needs. Image: Coleman

Planning

Plan in Advance and Shop Early

Cleaning out the swags, the stove, the Esky, the car… some of these jobs can be done a couple of weeks in advance, while some must be done either the day of departure or just prior.

For example, checking the car should be done just ahead of leaving. What’s involved? Just the basic stuff: oil, water, tyres, belts, and spares. For more on how to prepare your 4WD or caravan ahead of lkjm,a road trip, check out this blog!

Remember too, it’s going to be madness at the shops – so there’s no harm in ticking off your shopping list early. If you’re taking meat, this also allows time to freeze it properly before packing into your Esky or fridge. To preserve your ice, pack some frozen food – and for more on that, check out ‘8 Tips for Keeping Ice Longer in Your Icebox’.

Know the Route

If you know where you’re going, you probably won’t bother… but if you’re going somewhere new, remember to pack a map or road atlas. That said, even if you do know where you’re going, it’s a good idea to have one in the case of last-minute, unforeseen detours.

It’s a good idea to have a map on hand in the case of unexpected detours. Credit: Darche

Spring Clean Your Repair Kit – and Your Gear!

An Easter camping trip is a great time to go through your repair and toolkit, and give it a spring clean. While you’re at it, check if you’ve used the last of your cable ties, or if your spare poles are the right size for your new tent. For the basics on building a toolkit, check out this blog – and for guidance on repairing your gear, this blog is handy too.

This way, if something crucial is missing, you’ve got plenty of time to source spares or replacements in advance, which takes the pressure off the day before your trip. Remember to check your first aid kit too!

Then there’s your gear. No one wants to crawl into their sleeping bag after a long day only to find it smells a little funky… or filled with mysterious, crummy, crunchy bits. Even worse, maybe you didn’t wipe the inside of your icebox or 12V fridge after your last trip, so are greeted with the stench of decay and some gnarly-looking mould?! It’s important to clean everything both before and after a trip. This will ensure your gear remains in good condition for many more uses and makes for easy preparation ahead of your next trip. For more on gear storage between getaways, Ben and Lauren discussed the topic on the Snowys Camping Show:

Dirty gear is not a great way to start a trip, so give it a wipe down before you go. Image: Erin Wescombe

Switch Up Your Camping Menu

Instead of your standard menu, attempt some fun Easter-themed recipes. Damper is a classic camping treat, but in the spirit of the season simply add cocoa powder and chocolate chips – or, if you’re overflowing with Easter eggs, break them up and throw them in for fun too. Plus, take it to the next level and cook hot cross buns in your camp oven too!

Don’t forget to stock up your fridge or Esky with some fresh or pre-cooked seafood too. If you’re camping by the coast, support local by purchasing there – or even catch the fish of the day yourself!

For more quick and easy camp meal suggestions, keep reading…

Homemade hot cross buns in the camp oven. Image: Mick the Camp Oven Cook

Instead of your standard menu, attempt some fun Easter-themed recipes. Image: OZtrail

Take Care with New Purchases

Or Head Instore for Last-Minute Essentials

Buying a big-ticket item such as a tent, swag, or gazebo at the last minute can often have you rushing your normal methodical, decision-making process. If it’s time for an upgrade, research thoroughly before buying. If you’re unsure of anything, give us a call or send us an email for advice. Check out this year’s Best Family Camping Tents or even our Guide to Choosing the Right Gazebo if you’re curious as to which styles and models others are buying. Considering an air tent? Here are 5 reasons why we support that decision.

Also, if ordering online, be aware of delivery delays. Easter is the busiest camping weekend of the year, so you might find you need to allow extra time.

Delivery times on family tents are longer due to their size and weight. Image: Oztent

Prepare Your Sleeping Mat

If you forgot to unroll your self-inflating mat before storing after your last trip away, or you typically don’t have the space – don’t forget to open it up at least a couple of days before your trip (depending on how long it’s been rolled up). Check your mat for any leaks and repair damaged areas ahead of time. This g u ide shows just how to do the job!

The best way to store your self-inflating mat is to keep it inflated with the valves open, before deflating and rolling up when it’s time to hit the road. Shopping around for a new mat? Check out this year’s best-sellers for camping here, or lighter-weight versions here.

Your self-inflating mat should come out of hibernation to ensure it’s ready to go for your trip. Image: Sea to Summit

Packing

Eggs-tra Pegs and Guy Ropes!

If the forecast is windy, extra guy ropes and pegs are always an excellent idea. Not sure what pegs you’ll need? Here’s a helpful article – but remember, if the breeze picks up, it is key to further stabilise your poles by adding guy ropes on either side to counteract any movement.

Ben and Lauren also talk tent pegs on the Snowys Camping Show:

It is wise to bring along extra pegs and guy ropes. Image: Explore Planet Earth

Sea to Summit Cookware

The Sea to Summit Passage Insulated Mug won’t only serve you well at the campsite, but keep your cuppa hot (or cold!) for longer – ideal for everyday use, especially for the coffee-loving commuter.

(On that note, check out the top 10 best-selling coffee makers for the campsite here.)

Then there’s the Passage Cutlery Set. Ever had ten-thousand spoons, when all you need is a knife?

Picture this. You’ve driven all day to the perfect camp spot. You’ve set up the tent, inflated the sleeping mat, unfurled the sleeping bags. All you want is a beer and to enjoy a meal. But WHERE ARE THE FORKS?! The Passage Cutlery Set from Sea to Summit consists of a tough, EU food-grade, glass-reinforced polypropylene fork, spoon, and knife that nest and clip together for easy use and compact storage. Genius.

Check out the full Sea to Summit cookware range here, including their new line of Detour, Passage, and Frontier. Boasting sleek, non-stick, abrasion resistant constructions that are as robust as they are lightweight, this collection consists of the ultimate cooking components to keep in the kitchen kit this camping trip.

Sea to Summit cookware are perfect lightweight options for outdoor escapes. Credit: Sea to Summit

Collapsible too, the Sea to Summit Frontier cookware range are the ultimate kitchen components to pack with the kit. Image: Sea to Summit

Multi-Tools

The Victorinox’s Deluxe Tinker is probably one of the most useful in their range. It boasts everything from a large and small blade, to scissors, pliers, a toothpick, and tweezers. With stacks of other uses, and possibly even life-saving tools and features in between – look and feel the part of a well-equipped camper with the Victorinox Deluxe Tinker.

Zippo also offer many compact and lightweight means to efficiently light a campfire – including flints, tinder, a mag strike, and a fire torch.

Lights and Lanterns

Lanterns have come a long way since the traditional miner’s style lamp you can imagine hooked to the side of a dusty mine. Smell that kerosine?

Cue the Darche Mini Multi LED Camp Light 3 Pack. Boasting a rechargeable 1200mAh lithium battery, benefit from four light modes to accommodate whatever illumination you require. A magnetic stand allows for convenient mounting, while an IPX5 rating resists the wetter weather . Packed compactly with a USB C charging cable into a convenient carry case too, the included carbiners also keep your lit bit of camp kit tidy and together! The better beacons worth packing with the camp kit. Watch the review below!

Then there are the Hardkorr U-Lite Dual Colour LED Lanterns – one of our best-selling lighting options, boasting impressive versatility. From the toolshed to the tent, enjoy more brightness and an inbuilt rechargeable lithium battery for convenience. Packing a blinding punch with an output of 155 lumens, light up the site for up to 6 hours on high and over 90 hours on low! Alternate effortlessly between high, medium, and low white light, while the orange hue option keeps the bugs at bay.

Fairy lights are another way of adding a sense of magic and ambiance to the campsite – like the Luci Solar String Lights by MPOWERD.

Smaller string lights can add a sense of magic to your camp setup. Image: Earthwell

Easy-to-Cook Camp Meals

Some people out there take camp cooking seriously. If you don’t, but still want fast, tasty, and nutritious food – you’re cordially invited to our Easter degustation, featuring Go Native, Back Country Cuisine, The Outdoor Gourmet Company and Radix Nutrition for super simple and tasty freeze-dried meals.

A little fresher to the camp food crowd is Offgrid Provisions. From tangy tomato, zingy ginger, and smack of spice in a curry, to the modest side meal of Aussie-grown rice for more bulk in your grub – Offgrid offer that smack of savoury beyond the big smoke.

Best of all, each of these options are made from quality ingredients – and taste a lot better than you may expect from packaged camp meals!

…OK, OK – so you’re better than a packet meal? We commend you – and these days, cooking simple but delicious family-friendly camp meals is only becoming easier. Check out these tips for meal planning ahead of your next 4WD or camping trip, or some of our favourites on our YouTube series ‘Camp Cooking with Cam’.

It’s still possible to enjoy fast, tasty, and nutritious food without taking camp cooking too seriously! Credit: Sea to Summit

Cam’s Buttermilk Pancakes with Stewed Apples are the perfect camp breakfast option for the whole family on holiday.

‘But Honey… we’ll have the kids with us too…’

Camping with kids is great fun too, and steering your children away from computers and electronic devices and into the great outdoors can be very rewarding (especially for teenagers!). Planning ahead in general is recommended, but even more so when camping with the kids.

Maybe you have a campsite in mind, and the kids are already excited. Have you thought about what to take, whether you need to book ahead and secure your site, what kid-friendly activities are on offer, will they enjoy it, and what camp food you’ll pack?

Choose a Site with Suitable Amenities

Selecting a campsite that has facilities like toilets and a shower block will help children especially transition into going outdoors. This will make it easier for you too, in packing less gear. Choose a destination with your kids, and make sure you book ahead.

Other things to consider with your campsite, is how far it is away from home. You want to be able to enjoy time and space from your daily routine, but at the same time, you might not want to sit through a 4 hour car ride.

Steering your children away from electronic devices and into the great outdoors is very rewarding. Credit: Darche

Ben and Lauren discuss the considerations involved in choosing an ideal campsite on the Snowys Camping Show:

Set Up a Trial Camp in the Backyard

If it’s their first trip camping, familiarise your kids with sleeping in the family tent and make note of anything you’ll do differently while away. This is a great way to test whether the sleeping gear is warm, if your mats are comfortable, and whether there’s suitable lighting in the tent.

Be your tent old or new – setting it up the week leading into your trip will also allow time for identifying any issues, damage, or missing parts, and subsequently sourcing anything needed. No one wants to drive for hours on end only to discover a broken tent pole at base camp!

If your shelter is brand new, pitching it before your trip provides an opportunity to understand how the components are assembled, or check out a how-to video if required. By the time your trip rolls around, you’ll be good to go! Just ensure everything is packed back into the bag as it was…not tucked beneath the couch, or swallowed by the dog!

You want to be able to enjoy time and space from your daily routine.

Include Them in the Planning and Packing

Develop a checklist that you can use each time you go camping. This can be refined when you return to ensure you don’t forget anything next time. Encourage the kids to pack their bags with a list you have put together, and make sure you take extra clothes for them too (no doubt they’ll get theirs dirty)!

Plus, pack a few favourite toys and other items from home to create a more familiar environment for them.

Bring Appropriate Shelter to Accommodate Activities

Have some portable shade on hand, such as a gazebo or shelter, to set up an activity station. This will keep your kids occupied and out of any harsh weather.

Pitching your tent at home allows the chance to identify any damage or parts missing. Image: The O’Hara Family

Consider Safety

Establish camp boundaries. Collect brochures and maps from information centres, and attend guided ranger talks (if they are available) to learn as much as you can.

Plan an Easter Egg Hunt (Leaving No Trace…)

Go prepared with items for a hunt, such as wrapped treats, fruit, or toys. If your kids are old enough too, you could create an orienteering game with a hand-drawn map and compass.

All the same, with the increased popularity of camping over the past few years, there’s concern over the environmental impact of campers not doing the right thing out in the bush or at the beach. On this year’s Easter camping trip, remember the key principals of Leave No Trace.

Still can’t find all the choccy eggs you planted in your own backyard last year? Easter egg hunts are an aspect of Easter that the kids look forward to, but there’s always a couple of stray choccies that go missing. Whilst this isn’t such a big deal when you’re at home, the foil (let alone the chocolate contents) can be hazardous to native wildlife if consumed. This can create negative long-term habits for them too.

Consider the native flora and fauna when preparing your Easter egg hunt. Image: Coleman

If you’re going to have an Easter egg hunt, keep note of the number of eggs you plan to hide and snap a picture of where they’re hidden. Maybe you only hide them around your tent and camp kitchen area to limit the number that go astray. There’s also the option of placing them inside smaller plastic containers to help prevent animals from getting to them before the kids!

When the hunt is over, the chocolate eggs have been gobbled, and the very last hot cross bun has been toasted – pack up camp and leave the site better than you found it. The next camper will thank you – and one day, the next camper will be you!

For more on leaving no trace, tune in to Ben and Lauren on the Snowys Camping Show:

Other Activities for the Kids

Bush crafts

Pack an outdoor survival book and learn how to make a shelter, or look into other bush crafts.

Mountain Biking

Bring the bikes for the family, and explore the trails together.

Short Day Hikes

Be prepared with backpacks, water bottles and snacks for a family hike. Consider going with another family, so the kids have friends to play with.

Exploring

Teach the kids about wildlife and outdoor ethics, like the leave no trace principles mentioned earlier. Attempt to spot any interesting trees, rocks, and bugs that are native to the area.

Take the time to be present, without aiming to achieve too much in a day.

Don’t Aim to Achieve Too Much

It will be far less stressful if you pick a destination that is not too far away. Don’t expect to hike all the way to the top of the hill, or jam too many activities into your day. Involve your kids in the small things such as pitching the tent, setting up the camp kitchen and packing up.

Make Time for Naps or Breaks

You and your kids will probably be knackered from all the activities you do – so make time to rest so everyone is ready to get up the next day and do it all again!

For more on this topic, Ben and Lauren unpack the considerations on the Snowys Camping Show – as well as how they can differ when camping with teenagers:

Happy Camping Everyone!

Be it chilling out at home in your own backyard, heading to the river, or going camping in the bush – we hope you have a fun and safe trip over Easter this year.

To unwrap something that lasts a little longer than chocolate this Easter, check out our deals!

We hope you have a safe and fun Easter this year!

Do you have a trip planned for Easter this year, or will you be relaxing at home?

The post The Choc-A-Block Easter Blog: Tips for Fun Family Camping appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Is Camping a Form of Therapy?

Ben Collaton — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 03:22:45 +0000

I don’t think I have ever used the words ‘camping’ and ‘therapy’ in the same sentence before.

I have always gone camping simply because I enjoyed it. I like using all my gear, sleeping in my tent, spending time with my family, and food always tastes better cooked on the campfire. What’s more, I read that past studies from the Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom found 93 percent of campers believe the experience makes them happier.

Camping offers the opportunity to use our gear, spend quality time with family, and cook food on a campfire.

How Camping Changes Perspective

There was a time following recent events in my life when I felt the need to be somewhere I had space, silence, and simplicity. Somewhere to rationalise my thoughts. I needed to be in the outdoors.

I needed a camping trip.

Due to the unorganised state of my camping gear, a small window of opportunity, and really, really bad weather – I did not manage the impromptu camping trip I needed. This highlighted to me that I get much more out of a camping trip than I realised. I don’t just go camping for fun; I also need it as a type of therapy. To bring myself back to a sort of reality. To keep perspective on the important things in my life.

Sitting back and enjoying nature is a great way to clear your head. Image: Ben Collaton.

Appreciating the Small Things

I needed to use my camping gear.

I enjoy packing my car, pitching my tent, using my headtorch, and lighting a fire. I wanted time to appreciate the small things, like the sound of light rain on my tent fly, cold morning air on my face, and the way the stars shine brighter in the wilderness.

It’s the simple things, like preparing hot food and drink on a campfire.

Food Prepared on a Campfire

I looked forward to getting up early so I can see my breath in the icy cold air while I make coffee.

I craved some really simple camp food. The type that would taste somewhat ordinary at home, but is suddenly an incredibly mouth-watering delight when cooked over a campfire.

Ben and Lauren discuss campfire cooking gear on the Snowys Camping Show:

Quality Time with Family

The above aside, the best part of camping for me is spending time with my family.

There are none of the distractions of day-to-day life to tempt you. You’re not reminded of your to-do list every time you walk past it. There’s no television, there’s no radio, and there’s no phone (well, if you turn it off).

You can focus solely on yourself, and your family.

Spending time with kids and other loved ones are so important. Photo: Ben Collaton.

Camping as Therapy

I now think of camping as a ‘natural therapy’, a form far cheaper than many prescribed therapies offered to us nowadays.

It is also very accessible, and simple to get started. Just ask the staff at Snowys how you could be enjoying the great outdoors next weekend!

Camping is accessible and simple to get started!

Ben and Lauren also discuss camping as a form of recreation and community service in Ep73 of the Snowys Camping Show with Operation Flinders:

Share this article with anyone you think could do with a dose of ‘camping therapy’!

The post Is Camping a Form of Therapy? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep121 – Off-Grid Communication

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 03:10:28 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

‘Don’t call me unless it’s an emergency’ should be taken just as seriously as ‘don’t talk to me until I’ve had my morning coffee.’

In this episode, Ben and Lauren discuss the kind of communication that requires a gadget caught between the all-out, ‘get me out’, sending-out-an-SOS Personal Locator Beacon, and the in-range, down-the-road, yarn-with-Mum mobile phone.

From connecting to satellites and choosing the right device, to navigating, recharging, and maintenance – we’re sending our own important message to every outdoor adventurer ahead of their next off-grid escape.

Ben and Lauren discuss the gadget that falls between the Personal Locator Beacon and the mobile phone. Image: Zoleo

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:06 – Citizen Band (CB) or Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Radios

03:21 – Short- and Long-Distance Communication

06:36 – Connecting to Satellites

07:09 – Satellite Communication Networks

08:50 – Satellite Navigation Systems

09:35 – Satellite Phones

11:24 – Satellite-Based Communication Devices

14:02 – Zoleo

14:40 – Spot Messenger

15:43 – Choosing the Right Device

18:02 – Maintenance and Recharging

18:26 – Starlink

21:58 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Podcasts:

Ep49 – PLB Comparisons

Ep36 – UHF Radios with GME

Brands:

Oricom

Products:

Zoleo Global Satellite Communicator

Spot Satellite Messenger

Oricom 2 Watt Floating IPX7 UHF CB Radio UHF2600−1

Oricom Waterproof IP67 5 Watt Handheld UHF CB Radio DTX600

Oricom 0.5 Watt Handheld UHF CB Radio Twin Pack PMR795

Oricom 1 Watt Handheld UHF CB Radio Twin Pack UHF1400

Oricom 5 Watt IP67 Waterproof Handheld UHF CB Radio Trade Pack DTXTP600

Oricom Plug and Play Micro 5 Watt UHF CB Radio Pack UHF310

Oricom Micro 5 Watt UHF CB Radio + 6.5dBi Antenna UHF390GP

Other:

Iridium Satellite Communication Network

Thuraya Satellite Communication Network

GLONASS Satellite Navigation System

COSPAS-SARSAT International Satellite System

GALILEO Global Navigation Satellite System

Starlink

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep121 – Off-Grid Communication appeared first on Snowys Blog.

5 Ways to Power Up in the Bush

David Leslie — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:27:16 +0000

With the advancement in camping product technology over the years, you may have found more and more of a need for power in the bush. Fridges, battery lanterns, tent fans, laptops, GPS devices, cameras, and phones are all common items we like to take away camping.

So how do we keep these items running in the outback… where there are no electricity plugs?

From battery systems to solar power for camping – let’s explore a few of the ways we can acquire electricity in the bush.

How do we keep our electronic items running in the outback? Image: BioLite

Car Battery

If you’re exploring this great country by vehicle, you’ll have power on board in the form of your car battery. This is charged by the alternator while you drive, and your driving is powered by the engine. Most cars put out 12 volts of power, and you will find that a large range of products designed to work in the bush will either run or charge from the car. Most will plug into the car through the cigarette lighter plug.

Pros:

Reliable while you’re driving, and you will always have it when touring by vehicle
No need to carry extra componentry, as it’s all built in to your vehicle

Cons:

Most of the time, we like to use our electrical items when we’ve stopped the car somewhere. Once the car is turned off though, the battery ceases charging.
This battery needs a lot of power to start the vehicle again, so if we use it all for our electrical items we will flatten the battery
Once the car battery drops below approximately 10.5 volts, it will be too flat to start the car or run most appliances
This means that this power source will not last long without using the car’s engine to recharge the battery
The more appliances that the car is operating, the harder the alternator has to work. This means the engine has to work harder, increasing your fuel consumption.

Most cars put out 12 volts of power.

Dual Battery System

As your car’s battery doesn’t last long and is required to start the vehicle again, the popular decision is to fit a larger second battery. Both batteries are charged by the car when it’s running, but are isolated when the ignition is turned off.

This allows the second battery to run your appliances, leaving the main battery fully charged to start your vehicle again.

Pros:

The second battery allows you to run appliances for much longer after the vehicle has been turned off
Most batteries used in a dual battery system can be completely flattened without damaging the battery
These types of batteries are designed to store a lot of power, so can provide for longer than your main battery – even if you allow it to run flat

Cons:

Dual battery systems can be complicated in their installation and usually require an auto-electrician to install
They can be quite expensive to purchase and install
The second battery will still need to be charged periodically. If being charged by the car, this will slightly increase your fuel consumption.
You will also need to find space for the dual battery, which means adding more weight to your vehicle

For more on battery chemistry, Ben and Lauren chat with Hardkorr in an earlier season of the Snowys Camping Show:

Solar Panels

With the progression of solar power technology, we have access to a great source of environmentally-friendly power. Free-to-run solar panels can be used to recharge your main or second battery, rather than using the car.

Some systems are even powerful enough to run certain appliances directly, and come in all shapes and sizes for use in a variety of activities and appliances.

Pros:

Free to run and can be used almost anywhere
Environmentally friendly, and no need to carry fuel or start your vehicle to use
Great for charging your batteries when staying in one spot for an extended period of time, or when using high-consumption appliances that require more regular recharging of your batteries.
Available in a range of sizes – so hikers to carry smaller models for charging mobile phones and GPS systems, and 4WD explorers can carry larger panels to recharge lanterns, or run fridges and laptops

Cons:

Solar panels are often extremely expensive and awkward to carry
Solar panels only operate during the day when the sun is present
Most solar panels require a good supply of sun to ensure they can produce a sufficient amount of power. Some panels may only charge at a decent rate for 3-4 hours a day.
Most solar panels need to sit in direct sunlight and do not produce a huge volume of power
Solar panels are often quite fragile and need to be well looked after
Despite smaller and more efficient models available, solar panels can still be very expensive
It’s recommended to check consumption rates when deciding on an appropriate system for your needs

Solar panels are available in a range of sizes to suit various needs. Image: Hardkorr

Generators

Generators provide a good, strong supply of power almost anywhere you go. They will operate at all hours of the day (or night) and deliver 240 volts of power to run normal household appliances. Generators can be used to both power appliances directly or charge batteries.

Pros:

Provide a constant power source that is strong and reliable while running
Deliver the most power to run household appliances directly, or charge batteries quickly
Generators are portable and available in smaller, more user-friendly sizes

Cons:

Generators are noisy. Even the quiet models can often still be heard by the neighbours!
They are relatively expensive and require fuel, which means you’ll need to carry an extra supply.
Generators occupy a substantial amount of space, as does the Jerry holding the fuel
They cannot be used during Total Fire Ban (TFB) days, and can only be used in a restricted manner in most caravan and National Parks (if at all)
Some places require generator users to only stay in allocated camp areas. This means everyone around you will have their generators purring away, which will be quite noisy!

Ben and Lauren also tap into recreational generators on the Snowys Camping Show:

Plus, check out our product demonstration on the Engel 3500 Pure Sinewave Inverter Generator R3000IE:

Gas and Other Liquid Fuels

Of course, not all of us take electrical items with us when we go camping. Some of us don’t even take our phones, or only use them for emergencies. For most small appliances like phones, UHF radios, lanterns, and camera batteries, the car’s power supply is sufficient. However, gas and other liquid fuels are popular for stoves and lighting.

Pros:

Gas and liquid fuel stoves are much more efficient than electrical items, and cheaper to run
Gas and liquid fuel lanterns often provide a much brighter light, and are both cheap and efficient to run
Liquid fuel canisters and gas bottles are often cheaper and smaller to carry than some battery systems, solar panels and generators

Cons:

Like all fuels, they need to be carried and refilled as they are used
Gas refills can be difficult to find in remote areas
Gas and liquid fuel appliances cannot be used on total fire ban days
With the development in electrical item technology, gas and liquid fuel appliances may be more expensive to run than some electrical items (such as fridges and LED lanterns)

Gas and other liquid fuels are popular for stoves and lighting.

One Final Note

If you’re taking electrical appliances, you may need to consider a power source that will keep your appliances both running or charging.

Whatever appliance you’re using, it is extremely important to ensure your vehicle’s starting battery is protected. A good, reliable power source also allows the use of items that will make your experience less stressful and more enjoyable.

When choosing a power source, consider the power needs and the volume of power required of all appliances. Take into consideration where you are taking them, and how long you will need them to run for.

If you’re taking electrical appliances, consider a power source that will keep your appliances both running or charging. Image: BioLite

If in doubt, give us a call on 1300 914 007 or email us at service@snowys.com.au. Let us know where you are going, how long you plan to stay, and what appliances you plan to run for some sound advice on which power source may be best for you. Once you’ve got the off-grid power source that’s right for you and your troop, check out our online store for all the gear you’ll need to go with it!

If you’re already a few steps ahead, what are your recommendations for powering up in the bush? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 5 Ways to Power Up in the Bush appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Tricks and Tools for Every Traveller

Snowys Bloggers — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 23:10:49 +0000

From the bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, budding adventurers on an extended study break, to the seasoned travellers still with a bucketlist of places to see and people to meet – these days, travelling is alluringly easy.

No matter how spontaneous a traveller you are though, there are must-know tips, tricks, and tools to make our dollar (and itinerary) go a little further.

Wherever you travel in the world, these tips will come in handy. Image: Caribee

Before You Go

Book in Advance

The Aussie winter is the high season for travelling to places like the UK and USA, as it’s leading into summer there. Checking the price of the Eurostar from London to Paris and putting it in the travel budget is great organisation – but booking it two months later could see you paying over $100 AUD more than you budgeted for!

If you’re the sort of traveller that generally likes to wing it and wake up in the morning and see where the day takes you – be aware that the weather can change rapidly, so you need to be willing to change plans. This means making changes to transport and accommodation, which can be hard and expensive if you have booked it all in at a good price and on some ‘non-refundable’ option!

For accommodation at least, apps like Booking.com make it easy. Most hotels and rooms can be booked on a ‘pay later’ basis, which often allows until up to three days before check-in to alter or cancel the booking without a fee. This is handy if you want to secure a good price but remain at least a little flexible to change your plans. Many other online booking apps and sites require a payment upfront to secure the best price.

The No-Fee Bank Card

A good option is the Qantas Travel Money Card. For every Australian dollar loaded, you receive a Qantas point. That said, it can be a hassle figure out how much to put on the card – plus, the bank charges a fee and locks the user into one currency.

Have a look online for what banks may offer that best suit your travel needs.

The Aussie winter is the high season for travelling to places like the UK and USA. Image: Caribee

Travel Insurance

Yes, this is an essential!

We’ve all been there: trying to save money by flirting with the idea of just risking it without insurance.

‘Oh, but I’m just going on a short trip to Bali. I won’t need it.’

Well, as it tends to unfold, that can be the trip when you actually need it! For example, a few years ago, a volcano erupted on Bali’s neighbour island, Lombok. All flights were cancelled for a week – but thankfully, that’s the sort of thing that can be covered under insurance policies.

We suggest finding a company that offers a hybrid coverage of both health and travel. Ensure you have got full protection in an emergency, and pay a little extra to secure your valuables. A recommended insurer is the ‘Qantas’ of travel insurance: World Nomads. They’re Australian, totally helpful, and donate part of their profits to third world countries.

Google Flights

Google Flights not only delivers on price or partner airlines, but functionality. A calendar view allows you to quickly work out which day is best to fly (as opposed to having to reload the page, isolating a specific day). If you can be flexible with the day you fly, check out Google Flights.

No matter where your travels take you, travel insurance is important. Image: Knog

During Your Travels

Travel Adapters

If you’re travelling through many different countries, which is common when you’re travelling Europe or Asia, make sure you have a suitable adapter for each country. For example, if you’re travelling to Europe via London, you’ll need an AU/NZ > British adapter as well as an AU/NZ > Europe adapter. There are also adaptors available for those travelling to Japan and the USA.

Most of these also have USB ports. This means you can have your laptop plugged in and still be charging your smart phone. Usually, the universal adapters are slightly bulkier than the single country products – but if you’re continent hopscotching, you’ll love it.

The Right Luggage

In determining the right luggage, take into account the variety of activities you’ll partake in. For those who won’t be doing any extreme adventuring, there is the option of a straight wheeled bag or a wheeled pack with a daypack for sightseeing. If you like to travel light, a duffle bag with multiway straps might be a good choice. This also bodes well for grabbing your gear, slinging it over your shoulder, or carrying it on your back.

For the backpackers, a travel backpack is a must to ensure that you can trek and explore without wheels holding you down (literally!). Just make sure you find the right size and volume for your frame, and that it has a comfortable and supportive harness.

Then there’s your carry-on. You don’t want to rock up to your flight only to find that your carry on bag is too big to take on the plane. This is why it’s important to ensure that your carry on is the correct size. This and other requirements vary from airline to airline, and country to country – so be sure to call ahead and check before you invest.

Ben and Lauren also ~unpack~ hiking packs with Deuter on the Snowys Camping Show:

For those who won’t be doing any extreme adventuring, there is the option of a straight wheeled bag or a wheeled pack with a daypack for sightseeing. Image: Caribee

For the backpackers, a travel backpack is a must to ensure that you can trek and explore without wheels holding you down (literally!).

Fit Your Pack Correctly

More on this further down, but for now – here are a few things to remember:

Consider the Length of Your Torso

Most travel packs have an adjustable harness that allows you to lengthen or shorten the harness, depending on the size of your torso. If your harness has a measuring guide, take note of your measurement. That way, if you lend your pack to somebody, it’s easy to adjust back to your size.

Detach the Daypack

If your travel pack has a detachable daypack, make sure it’s clipped off. It’ll make you too top-heavy and is likely to whack somebody in the face if you turn around abruptly! Instead, carry the daypack by the top handle, or clip it onto the front of your harness by the shoulder straps.

Heavy Items Go in the Middle

A well-balanced pack will allow your harness to do what it’s meant to, and that is to distribute 80% of the weight to the strongest part of the body: your hips. The last thing you want is for your pack to be hanging off your shoulders – this will be uncomfortable over time and may lead to an injury (or lots of cussing)! By placing heavy gear in the middle of your pack, you prevent it from being top- or bottom-heavy.

TSA Padlocks and Luggage Tags

There’s nothing worse than being frantic in an airport. No matter how organised you are, items like padlock keys just seem to vanish. If you’re travelling to countries that need to inspect your luggage, switch to TSA locks to make life a little easier – just don’t forget your four-digit code! If you find it hard to remember your passwords at the best of times, that code might just fly out the window when you’re under stress in transit. If this sounds like you, choose a lock with a key instead of a pin code.

It’s amazing how similar luggage can look when they’re all rolling out in a row on the conveyor belt. When you’re tired and bleary-eyed from a long haul flight, use luggage tags to make locating your bags easier at baggage claim.

Luggage tags make identifying your bag a little easier during your travels. Image: Knog

Pack Light

Do you really need to take the kitchen sink with you? Travel should be about the places you go, the experiences you have, and the people you meet. Too much gear will impinge on this sense of freedom.

Try to pack gear that offers multiple uses, and is lightweight. Rather than a bottle of shampoo and bar of soap, consider something like Sea to Summit’s Wilderness Wash – it’s concentrated, and will last you around a month. Instead of nail clippers, scissors, a pocket knife, screwdriver, and so on – pack a Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife (more on this further down). Rather than carrying a pack full of clothes, choose quality, hard-wearing items that dry quickly so you can wash on the go (with your Wilderness Wash!).

Travel Comfortably

On those long 10+ hour flights, a good trick is to break up the time. Watch a couple of movies for the first three hours, sleep the next chunk, then either write or read for the last leg. This way, you can focus only on the three or four hours ahead. Turn off the flight path (this is as painful as watching paint dry!). When you’re ready to be (slightly) productive, or shift the boredom – pull out your headphones and open Audible. Pre-download a book before your leave, so you don’t need WiFi.

There’s nothing worse than trying to catch some shut eye when the lights are on in the plane, your pillow keeps slipping down the side of the seat, and there’s an adorable baby screaming bloody murder at your end of the plane. You can’t control what other people do on your flight – but you can pick up an eye mask for blocking out light, some ear plugs for cancelling noise, and a neck pillow to support your head while you try to catch some shut-eye!

If you’re one to feel motion-sick, there’s no need for you to spend the whole flight with a churning stomach. Do yourself a favour and pick up a pair of motion sickness straps, and some air sickness tablets for good measure. That way you can kick back and enjoy the in-flight entertainment, or catch up on a good read.

While the fun is in the journey – find items, tools, and little tricks that’ll offer helpful shortcuts or a welcomed ‘travel companion’!

Travel should be about the places you go, the experiences you have, and the people you meet. Image: Salomon

Top 5 Essentials for Outdoor Adventuring

1. Comfortable and Lightweight Daypack

Even if you’ll spend most of your time relaxing, there are likely to be times when you head out-and-about.

While many travel packs come with zip-on bags, these tend to be small and lack useful features. Daypacks range from 15-40 litres, making them light but roomy enough to fit the necessities (e.g., phone, money, and camera).

Look for:

Comfort

Comfortable and adjustable harness with padded straps and good ventilation

Rainproof cover

This will protect valuable electronic gear that you have in your pack

Hydration compatibility

So you don’t have to buy or pack bulky water bottles

Laptop compartment

If you simply must to catch up on those emails while on holiday…

External or side pouches

Where you can store wet or muddy gear and snacks

Look for a daypack that’s as comfortable as it is useful. Image: Caribee

Even if you’ll spend most of your time relaxing, there are likely to be times when you head out-and-about. Image: BlackWolf

2. Hydration System

A hydration system can very valuable, as it negates the need to stop to retrieve your bottle from your pack. They come into their own when riding a bike, motorbike, or horse. Salomon’s XA 25 and 35 Hiking Bags are also a small, slimline, and lightweight option for hydration on the go.

Look for:

Sufficient size

Typically options are between 1-3 litres, but this will depend on how much you drink, how far you are going, and how long you’re travelling for

A good mouthpiece

Many cheaper ones are poorly made, leak, and don’t withstand knocks

Pull-apart and easy-to-clean components

Look for hydration packs that have service kits available, like those from Camelbak

A hydration pack negates the need to stop to retrieve your bottle from your pack. Image: Salomon

3. Lightweight Cooking Stove

While some may say it’s a little over-the-top, many pack their lightweight cooking gear when heading overseas.

It’s a particularly good idea for longer expeditions, or when on a tight budget. Lightweight cookers typically operate on gas, pressurised liquid fuel, or simple liquid fuels i.e. methylated spirits.

Look for:

Gas stoves

Gas types are the simplest (and cheapest), but you can’t take cylinders on a plane. Plus, finding them when you arrive can be difficult (especially in less-developed countries).

Pressurised multi-fuel styles

The MSR Whisperlite is a good example, though they can be a little daunting to learn to use.

Liquid fuel stoves

Liquid fuel types, like Trangia, are indestructible and simple to use – but bulkier, and don’t heat as efficiently.

The Trangia is simple and indestructible, but bulkier. Image: Chris Newman

4. Head Torch

From finding the light switch in a dark hostel room to searching for that bottle opener behind the back seat of the car, a head torch is one of the items you’ll find you reach for the most. LED technology has come a long way, and the head torch range available today is extensive. However, beware of cheaper models that drain batteries – they will let you down when you need them most.

Look for:

Comfort and ease of use

Comfortable head strap and up-down pivot adjustability

Sufficient power

A 100-lumen output is the benchmark for an average, good-quality head torch

Adjustable LED beam

This feature is handy, as it will conserve battery life

Water resistance

This ensures that the head torch will perform in all kinds of weather

LED technology has come a long way, and the headtorch range available today is extensive. Image: Knog

5. Multi-Tool of Swiss Style Pocket Knife

Arguably one of the most useful items you can take with you. Whether you prefer a multi tool (like a Leatherman or Zippo) or a traditional Swiss style pocket knife (like Victorinox) there’s sure to be a model that has the tools and size you are after. The differences between multi-tools and Swiss styles? Multitools are preferred by tradies as they include pliers and wire strippers, while the Swiss designs tend to be more for travellers as they have a corkscrew, scissors and other novelty features like a toothpick.

Look for:

Precision and a high-quality steel construction

This is where the extra money you pays off when it comes to a multitool

Lockable blades

These can be an advantage, as it is an extra safety measure to ensure the blade stays put when in your pocket. Just remember not to put it in your carry-on bag!

Instead of carrying a fire lighter and tinder shreds, save space with the Zippo Surefire Multi Tool – featuring flint wheel ignition and a tinder grater. Image: Zippo

Venture Off-Track

It can be tempting to stay on the path well travelled. After all, we tend to head to places like Paris or New York to see the sights we have heard so much about. Often though, by straying from the path by just a little we see the ‘real side’ of a place. The Paris that the Parisians live in. The Las Vegas where the roulette dealers spend their weekends. The tavernas of rural Greece where elderly Greeks play backgammon with old mates.

By all means, take in the tourist attractions. But explore a little further afield too. See what you discover.

Be sure to explore a little afield!

This blog was updated for 2024, comprising of content from bloggers Amanda Smith, Paul Goodsell, Daniel Gorman, and Bob West.

What are the essential items you always take when you travel?

The post Tricks and Tools for Every Traveller appeared first on Snowys Blog.

10 Hacks for an Easier Hike

Peter Inverarity — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:42:27 +0000

Planning a trip along the trails? There are so many factors to consider – and if you’re not prepared, you can end up in a real pickle when plans start to veer off-track (pun intended).

Nonetheless, there are many tips and tricks you can implement to promise a successful hiking trip. Read on for my top ten pointers to kick-start your next outdoor expedition.

Read on for my top ten pointers to kick-start your next outdoor expedition. Image: Sea to Summit

1. Bags, Bags, Bags

You need bags. You need more bags than you think. A garbage bag. A dirty laundry bag. A wet-stuff bag. A dry-stuff bag. A bag-to-keep-the-spare-bags-in bag.

Plastic garbage bags weigh absolutely nothing, but become the handiest items you’ll ever need on the track. Pack at least three or four, and you’ll thank me later.

2. Pack Right

I’ll keep this simple because I could write a whole article on this.

Put your heavy, least commonly used items down the bottom of your rucksack. This could include your sleeping bag, tent, mat, some food or fuel, and spares.

Stick your water and hiking food in the middle, so you can easily hydrate and eat on the track without having to dig.

Finally, pack your essential items at the top: a map and compass, an extra layer/outer shell of clothing, first aid kit, camera, and maybe some snacks.

The more bags, the better! Photo: Exped

If you take your time packing your bag properly, so you can access everything easily on the trail. Photo: Sea to Summit

3. Light it Up

One more thing for the top of your rucksack: your head torch. Trust me, the times you need this item are the times you don’t want to be rummaging around blindly for it. It’ll be dark. So put it in a spot you know you can easily find it by feel.

I always put my head torch in the top lid compartment of my rucksack, where I know I can find it with minimal fuss in a dark, cramped tent.

4. Easy-Use Hydration System

Instead of carrying more than one water bottle or container, kit out your rucksack with an easy-to-use reservoir. That way, you can have easy access to your water supply without having to reach around your pack.

When the sky gets dark, you’ll want to be able to get to your headtorch easily. Photo: Sea to Summit

Kit out your rucksack with an easy-to-use reservoir. Image: Exped

5. Sharing is Caring

The smart hiker knows they might forget something, which hopefully your hiking buddy will have. You are going to need bargaining power to get this coveted item off them, without being reminded of it for the remainder of the trip!

Pack something you know your buddy is going to need or like, but you have no interest in whatsoever. Snacks or drinks are the obvious commodities here.

6. Skin Deep

Try wearing a pair of old skins, at least on your legs.

Here’s why: they provide your legs with low-friction and lightweight scratch-resistance from low-level shrubs. As any cyclist will tell you, they also breathe exceptionally well but allow your legs a little insulation against cold conditions (at least long enough for you to fetch your pants from your rucksack).

Another advantage is the exceptional flexibility they grant you. When you’re climbing and rock-hopping, you can sometimes be restricted by conventional clothing.

Your buddy will probably have something you need and vice versa. Photo: Sea to Summit

7. First Aid

Most good first aid kits cover the basics of wound dressing: sterile swabs, saline water, and various bandage options. Keep this maintained every trip, but add in the following over-the-counter medications:

Anti-inflammatory gel and/or tablets
Pain relief
Blister relief pads
Muscle relief gel
Antihistamines
And of course, any other prescribed medication you might need

Just make sure you don’t take any contraindicated medication, and consult your doctor if you’re not sure. You see where I’m going with this. Hiking is physical; it’s hard and it’s rough. You need to make repairs and maintenance on your body as you go. Part of that is pain relief, inflammation relief, or just helping your body relax and repair overnight – so stock up on whatever ‘help’ you can give it and thank me in the morning.

8. Carabiners

Get your hands on some small spring-clip carabiners. You’re not trying to look like a grade-32 rock climber, you just need a couple of small cheapies. They are super convenient for clipping stuff on to your rucksack securely: mugs, gloves, even a camera strap if you have to.

Also, clip one on to that rucksack zipper you can never find in a hurry. You’ll never lose it again!

Make sure you stock up your first aid kit with hiking specific essentials. Image: Exped

9. New Cologne

This tip is my personal favourite. Pack a unique, previously unused deodorant, cologne or perfume. Your brain is wired with strong neural connections between scent (olfactory) and memory functions. By using a brand-new scent, you’ll grow strong associations between your new experiences hiking, and the new smell.

Months or even years later, your memories of good times on the track will come back vividly with the mere whiff of the ol’ cologne.

10. The 3:30 Rule

It’s time to start looking for a campsite at 3:30 in the afternoon. Trust me, years of research have been devoted to figuring out this magic, ‘Goldilocks’ moment in the day.

Three o’clock is too early. You can still be moving, making ground. Four o’clock is pushing it. The sun will be down over those mountains in an hour – are you gonna have your tent up, fire set, and be in position for your scenic sunset photography session in an hour? Well, maybe. But you’ll be pushing it.

So trust me, 3:30pm is campy-time. Mmkay? Break the rule, and refer to Hack #3!

When it starts to get closer to sundown, be sure to scout out somewhere to camp. Photo: Sea to Summit.

This article was updated for 2024.

Got any other camping hacks to share?

The post 10 Hacks for an Easier Hike appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep120 – Beach & Island Camping with Dave & Bec from Snowys Brendale

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 04:30:54 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Take whatever you’ve been told about beach camping with a grain of… sand.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren invite Dave and Bec from our Snowys store in Brendale, Queensland, to unpack the beach camping considerations for those sunlit trips off the bitumen. From the mesh groundsheets, best sand pegs, and suggested tent designs, to mitigating the mozzies, midges, and high tides – it gets a little ~snowy~ on this beach!

In this episode, Ben, Lauren, Dave, and Bec unpack the beach camping considerations for those sunlit trips off the bitumen. Image: Dave Blunt

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:02 – Introducing Dave and Bec from Snowys Brendale

04:08 – General Beach Camping

05:56 – Considerations for a Beach Camping Kit

07:41 – Sand Pegs

09:03 – Polycarbonate Vs Polypropylene Sand Pegs

10:35 – Groundsheets

12:56 – Do You Need a 4WD to go Beach Camping?

14:07 – Environmental Factors

15:22 – Bec’s Family Camping Setup

15:51 – Recommended Tents for Beach Camping

18:09 – Mitigating Mozzies and Midges

22:04 – Tides

24:09 – Toileting and ‘Leave No Trace’ Principles

26:44 – Toilets

29:58 – Expectations in Gear and Vehicle Maintenance

33:32 – Best Islands in QLD for Camping?

34:10 – Moreton Island

37:30 – Bribie Island

41:29 – K’gari (Fraser Island)

43:10 – North Stradbroke Island

45:25 – Other Islands

46:20 – Dave and Bec’s Favourite Island

48:03 – Access to Essentials and Supplies

49:40 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Muk Mats

Tarps & Matting

Supa Peg Polycarbonate Sand Pegs

Supa Peg Polypropylene Sand Pegs

Supa Peg Standard Guy Rope Trace Springs

Insect Protection

Oztent RV and RX tents

BlackWolf Turbo touring tents

Oztrail Fast Frame tents

Coleman Instant Up touring tents

Inflatable / air tents

OZtrail Ultramesh Tarp

Brands:

C-Gear

Supa Peg

Podcasts:

Ep62 – Aussie Pegs & Poles with Supa Peg

Ep31 – Creepy Crawlies at the Campsite

Blogs:

‘Beach Camping – What You Need to Know’ by Aaron Schubert

Other:

Moreton Island

Bribie Island

K’gari (Fraser Island)

North Stradbroke Island

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep120 – Beach & Island Camping with Dave & Bec from Snowys Brendale appeared first on Snowys Blog.

10 Ways to Power Your 12V Fridge for Longer

Snowys Bloggers — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:04:43 +0000

Sometimes, cooling down can require cranking the heat – and when it comes to staying fresh alfresco, the 12V fridge is as power-hungry as it is popular! They’re the ultimate comfort in camping. Menus can expand to include pretty much anything you can cook at home, as long as you can fit it in the fridge! These days, portable fridges are extremely popular additions to any camping and 4WD arrangement – and if you head out regularly, they become well and truly worth the expense.

However, a fridge requires a fair bit of energy to run – it’s almost always the highest consumer, and you need to get that power from somewhere. There is a lot of focus on solar panels and batteries, but there are a number of ways you can reduce the energy consumption from your 12V fridge.

In this blog, we defrost our top 10 tips for how to reduce the energy consumption of your 12V fridge off the grid – so you can keep the cans cold and perishables fresh for longer. From kicking back on the boat to basking in the balmy bliss of the campsite, read on for a refresher on fridge maintenance facts and energy-saving hacks to keep the tucker in date.

These days, portable fridges are extremely popular additions to any camping and 4WD arrangement. Image: Dometic

How Much Power Does a Fridge Need?

There are many different factors that affect the energy consumption of a 12V fridge: size, compressor style, ambient temperature, insulation thickness, the temperature they are set to cool to, what you are using it for – the list goes on. However, most will consume in between 1 amp and 6 amps (with 2.5 amps being fairly average) per hour when running. That said, a fridge won’t usually run 100% of the time, so it only pulls that current when the compressor is on.

Most fridges are loud enough to hear within a few metres. Again, the cycle time varies considerably, but on average they run about 50% of the time.

Using the above example – where the fridge draws 2.5 amps when the compressor is on, but only runs for 1/2 the day – it will use 30 amp hours of the battery capacity.

Measuring a Fridge’s Power Consumption

Power consumption is measured in Amps per Hour (Aph or a/h), which refers to the number of amps an appliance uses in one hour of use.

There are 2 ways that a/h is measured for camping fridges:

Usage draw – this is the amount of power the fridge draws while running
Average draw – this is the amount of power the fridge draws per hour over a 24-hour period

When determining power consumption, it is important to look at both figures. However, the second figure (average draw), will give the best indication of fridge efficiency.

Fridges will cycle on and off to maintain temperature. Better insulation means less cycling, in turn resulting in a better average current draw.

Do not run your fridge off your main battery. Run a dual battery setup instead. Image: Aaron Schubert

What Battery Should a Fridge Run Off?

Fridges should never run off the cranking battery that you use to start your vehicle. The only exception to this is while you are driving, and only if you absolutely must. The reason behind this is simple: your cranking battery is imperative to start your vehicle, so if you run it flat you’ll be in serious trouble.

The most common way to run a fridge is with a second battery, which is isolated from the main cranking battery. The best option is a deep-cycle battery, designed (as the name suggests) to cycle from full to half empty, and back again – anywhere from 1200-1700 times. You can run them off a normal cranking battery, though they don’t like to be cycled and you will shorten its life substantially. Lithium batteries are also becoming more popular, as they have several advantages, but they also come at a pretty hefty cost.

How Low Can I Go With the Battery?

Far too many people think that just because their fridge is running, the battery has enough power left. This is not the case – you should not run your battery to below 50% of charge (normally around 12.2-12.3 volts).

A fridge will continue to run well below this until the low-level alarm is set off and cuts the power. Most fridges have a low-level cut-out, but it’s not usually until well under 12 volts. If you run your battery below 50% of charge, its lifespan will be rapidly decreased – and batteries aren’t cheap!

If you have a 100Ah deep-cycle battery, you should only be using 50 amps of its capacity. This, in the above scenario, is only 1 and 2/3 of a day (without any other consumption) before you start to damage your battery.

From that point on, you either need to start your vehicle and allow the alternator to charge the battery, or arrange some solar input. However, after a couple of cloudy days things start to get a bit desperate! Using your vehicle’s engine to charge the battery is a pretty uneconomical way to do things too.

So – how can you reduce the energy consumption from your 12V fridge? Well, in a similar way to keeping ice cold for longer in an ice box, actually!

You should not run your battery to below 50% of charge. Image: Dometic

1. Cool Your Items Before Leaving Home

Most fridges will have the ability to run on 240V (this is a feature to look for when buying a fridge). If you can avoid it, don’t put room temperature items in your fridge. It will only have it working harder and using more power. Run the fridge on 240V and cool it down at home before heading off on your trip. Most power will be drawn while cooling down the interior of the fridge, so use 240V at home to lower temperature before putting the fridge on 12V.

Obviously, this is unavoidable if you are on the road. Where possible though, pre-chill your food and drink.

2. Crack the Lid Slowly

If you unlatch your fridge and yank the lid up, the rapid movement draws a huge volume of cold air out of your fridge and sends it into the atmosphere. Once you close the lid, the fridge needs to cool down the hot air you’ve just filled it with.

The trick is simple: crack the lid gently until it’s open about 10cm, then open it normally. This will both stop most of the cold air escaping, and save you some substantial power consumption.

Crack the lid gently until it’s open about 10cm, then open it normally. Image: Engel

3. Keep the Fridge Full

A full fridge works much more efficiently than an empty one. If you are running low on food and drinks in the fridge, bottles of water work very well. Once they are cool, you’ll save a lot of energy; they don’t immediately change temperature like air does when the lid is opened.

Make sure the food and drink you put into your camping fridge are already cold. If you put a warm slab of drinks into the fridge, it will use lots of power to cool those drinks down to temperature, before it starts cycling again.

Another recommendation is to allow your fridge to freeze (-15 degrees) and add a couple of freezer bricks. Make sure to put the fridge on a few days in advance for it to freeze properly. This will ensure the interior of your fridge is nice and cold. If you have enough space to fit your food in with the freezer bricks, leave one or two in when you pack your food before adjusting = the temperature of the fridge back to two degrees. The fridge will work like an Esky for the first part of your trip, and may not even turn itself on to keep cold for days!

4. Keep Your Fridge as Cool as Possible

It sounds like common sense, but many fridges have been seen laying around in the sun at campsites. Obviously, your fridge will work better in the shade, and out of hot vehicles. If it’s packed in the boot and your car is in the sun, your fridge will be combatting high ambient temperatures and will likely drain your battery twice as fast.

The difference between a fridge operating in an ambient temperature of 25 to 40 degrees is huge. The hotter the air outside of the fridge, the harder your compressor has to work. Obviously, you can’t always the ambient temperature, but you can control where your fridge is stored.

Parking under a tree, for example, will keep your vehicle much cooler and reduce how much work the fridge has to do to keep your food and drinks cold. If you are parked up, open the back of the vehicle so it doesn’t heat up.

A full fridge works much more efficiently than an empty one. Image: Dometic

A fridge slide is a good way of keeping your fridge secure in the 4WD, but popping it out like this, when you’re at camp, ensures airflow. Image: Aaron Schubert

5. Airflow is Imperative

The compressor in your fridge will produce heat, a by-product of reducing the temperature inside the cabinet. It’s important to allow plenty of space for this heat to escape from your fridge. More ventilation results in better efficiency. It’s all well and good having your fridge packed in tight – but if it can’t breathe freely, you are making it work hard. Ensure the compressor has ample room to suck in clean, cool air. If you have the fridge mounted in an enclosed area, consider the use of a small vent or computer fan to aid air circulation.

Toolboxes on the front of camper trailers are popular for mounting fridges, but on a warm day they can easily reach 65 degrees inside. While it probably won’t kill your fridge, it isn’t doing it any favours in terms of longevity – and will most certainly cause it to consume more power.

6. Fridge Covers

You’ll see that a lot of fridge manufacturers sell covers for their fridges. These help to protect the fridge, but also improve their insulation properties. The better insulated your fridge, the less heat that can pass through and the less cold air that can escape. Almost all fridges will benefit from an insulative cover by preventing the outer casing from heating up. It’s kind-of like putting an Esky into a soft cooler bag. By adding extra insulation to the fridge, it will stay colder for longer and thus use less power.

Next time you are at your fridge, touch the outside of it when it’s running. If it is noticeably cooler than the air around you, the insulation is allowing the cold to escape.

Fridge covers help insulate the fridge so that it runs cooler. Image: Aaron Schubert

7. Time and Number of Times Opened

The longer you leave your fridge open, the more it has to cool down when you close it again. Every time you open the fridge, you will displace the cold air. This means the fridge has to cool all the new air that has entered the fridge. Limit the amount of time the fridge is left open or how frequently it is opened to prevent the internal temperature rising. Make a habit of grabbing what you need quickly and closing the lid.

If you are about to cook something, have a think about what you need before opening the fridge. Don’t limit yourself to only opening the fridge a few times a day, but anything you can do to limit the number of times you open the fridge is ideal. As mentioned in the blog post on keeping ice from melting, perhaps have a small icebox at your disposal to keep drinks nearby. This will save you from having to open the fridge too often.

8. Close the Lid Properly

While it’s easy to just drop the lid and not do up the latches, if any air can pass in or out it’ll have the fridge working harder. Take the extra two seconds to latch it closed.

Snowys blogger Aaron Schubert’s trusty EvaKool 12V fridge. Image: Aaron Schubert.

9. Check the Wiring

The power supply to your fridge needs to have adequately sized wiring. If it is too small, you’ll lose efficiency quite quickly. Usually, this is an issue from your battery to the fridge power-point, especially if it’s running from the front of the vehicle to the rear. It’s recommended to run a 6mm square cable, minimum.

Heavy-duty wiring from your 12V battery to your fridge won’t have your fridge use any less power, but it will help you get more out of your battery. Many standard vehicle setups have thin wiring looms that attribute to voltage drop. This means that while your battery reads 12.5V, only 12V is reaching your fridge. Furthermore, if your fridge is fitted with battery protection, it may turn itself off despite there being plenty of life left in your battery.

10. Use a Quality Fridge

Lastly, if you’ve bought yourself a cheap fridge and you find it’s chewing the power, it might be time to consider upgrading to a more quality unit. Brands like Engel, Dometic, Evakool, and Bushman have each earned themselves a solid reputation!

Keep an eye on your voltage usage. Image: Aaron Schubert

Enjoy Your Fridge!

There’s nothing quite like being able to pull a cold drink from your fridge in the middle of nowhere. Enjoy the luxury, do what you can to conserve energy consumption – and if it’s still using too much, consider looking at improving your solar or battery arrangement.

There’s nothing quite like being able to pull a cold drink from your fridge in the middle of nowhere. Image: Dometic

This blog is a consolidation of a 2016 work by Aaron Schubert and a 2015 work by David Leslie, updated for 2024.

What sort of 12V fridge do you use? Let us know in the comments.

The post 10 Ways to Power Your 12V Fridge for Longer appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The Benefits of Vacuum Sealing Food

Shay Bosworth — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 03:52:38 +0000

When most people think of vital camping or travelling gear, they think tents, sleeping bags, chairs, and camp ovens. However, something that is often overlooked but should follow closely behind is the humble vacuum sealer – and a roll of bags!

Vacuum sealing allows for food like meat to be stored for much longer periods of time. This allows you to take food you wouldn’t normally on your trip. Plus, you’ll make fewer trips to the shops while travelling.

Not everything can or should be vacuum sealed, though. For example, when done correctly, red meat can last up to 6 weeks at the bottom of your camping fridge, set at 0-2°C. Pre-cooked meals like stews and spaghetti bolognese can be prepared at home, then ready to eat on the road in just a few short minutes – with minimal prep and next to no cleaning up!

Hard cheeses go great in the vacuum sealer, and with the right preparation certain vegetables can also benefit from some work at home, before going in a vacuum pack and into the camp fridge.

For a demonstration of how to vacuum seal, hit the play button above!

What Does Vacuum Sealing Do?

Vacuum sealing removes the majority of oxygen from the packaging, vastly reducing the ability of aerobic or oxygen-dependent bacteria. Not only does the reduced ability of this bacteria help extend the shelf life of your food, but oxygen itself is involved in several chemical reactions that result in food spoilage.

The number one aim of the game when preparing food is removing as much oxygen as possible. Anything less than a perfect seal should be done again. One of the ways to improve the quality of your seal is to fold the top of the bag in on itself.

Ensure that the part of the bag you wish to seal is dry and contaminate-free before sealing, as this will drastically improve your chances of achieving a good seal.

Tips for Using a Vacuum Sealer

One of the best parts about a vacuum sealer is that you can cook meals in the comfort of your own home, without worrying about cleaning up, using precious water supplies, or how much garbage you produce out at the campsite.

Red meat stews are absolutely fantastic, as are mince bolognaise sauces. Cook them up, throw them in some plastic containers in appropriate serving sizes (either individual or group), then straight into the freezer. Once your meal is sufficiently set (not quite frozen, but so the liquids are more solid than not), scoop it into your vacuum bag. Just remember, the trick is to keep your edge clean and seal that bad boy up!

Once you know you have a good seal, it’s into the fridge it goes – ready for your trip!

How’s this for a ‘snack hack’ – cut the top off your chip packet and vacuum seal ‘er up! Smaller package, and no stale chips.

Re-Heating Vacuum Sealed Food

On your big adventure, you have two options.

If you’re using good quality bags, you can pop them into a pot of hot (but not necessarily boiling – 70°C is plenty warm) water for a few minutes to heat up your meal. Out of the water, being careful not to burn yourself, snip off the top and empty straight into a bowl. Serve it with of whatever you’ve planned – rice, pasta, baked potato – and dinner is ready to go! No mess, no stress, and ready in under 10 minutes.

The other option is emptying your meal into a pot or pan, and heating it up as you would at home. This is more conventional, but there is more washing up afterwards! For meal planning ideas for an outdoor adventure, head here.

You can pre-season your meat before vacuum sealing it. The same is true of marinating. In fact, the longer it’s in the vacuum pack for, the tastier it will become.

Best Foods to Vacuum Seal

As mentioned above, hard cheeses go well in the vacuum sealer. Buy a big block of tasty cheddar, cut it into four smaller portions, and vacuum seal them individually. Open as needed, and always enjoy fresh cheese!

Vegetables are a little different. Many vegetables will give off a gas when vacuum sealed, and this leads to almost immediate spoilage given those gases have nowhere to go. To counteract this, cut vegetables as if you were to eat them straight away. Always blanch vegetables for 1-2 minutes, followed by a quick dunk in ice water. Dry thoroughly before storage to ensure the seal is tight and a good vacuum is achieved. Preparing vegetables such as green beans, snow peas, potato, pumpkin, and carrots like this is a great way to extend their shelf life to up to three weeks on the road.

Vegetables Not to be Vacuum Sealed

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage should never be vacuum sealed. Even after blanching, they can emit gases at fridge temperature.

Something that is often overlooked but should follow closely behind is the humble vacuum sealer – and a roll of bags! Image: Campfire

Vacuum Sealed Meat

Vacuum sealed meat can often be a darker colour when first removed from the fridge. Upon exposure to oxygen, however, this should slowly return to a much more ‘normal’ red. Meat will often have a slight odour when first removed from packaging, but this should dissipate after a few minutes.

Like all food, you should use your common sense. If it smells and looks off after 10 minutes out of the packaging, it’s safer to discard it than to regret it later!

As you can see, all the air has been removed. This cut of beef will keep significantly longer now, either in the fridge or freezer at home, the car fridge, or icebox.

My Experiences with Vacuum Sealing

I spent a month on Fraser Island fishing and camping, and before leaving home I prepared and vacuum sealed several meals and packets of sausages. I ended up catching so many fish though, that we hardly needed to touch them!

On our last day on the island, we ate a packet of sausages that had been sitting at the bottom of the fridge for exactly 30 days. After giving them a few minutes to air and cooking them in the frypan, we enjoyed a delicious meal of beef sausages after weeks of fish!

While you might not always need your meat to last 30 days, vacuum sealing is a fantastic way of preparing and storing your meat, cheeses, some vegetables, and pre-made meals when camping or on the road. I highly recommend one to everyone!

As well as vacuum sealing, Ben and Lauren also chat with Dr. Kate Grarock on the Snowys Camping Show about the benefits of dehydrating food:

Do you vacuum seal your food for camping trips? Let us know, we’d love to hear what your experiences have been.

The post The Benefits of Vacuum Sealing Food appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Understanding 12V Battery & Solar Setups for Camping and 4WDing

Ben Collaton — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 03:46:02 +0000

Let’s get straight into it.

To understand the 12V battery and solar setups for the outdoors, it’s ideal to first know the difference between volts, watts, and amps. These are the three electrical ratings you’ll find stamped on the compliance stickers of electrical appliances.

You’ll need to understand the basics of these three ratings, so here’s a quick analogy:

A battery (volts) forces an electrical flow (amps) through a cable, which produces power (watts) to run a device.

For the purpose of this article, all you really need to know is:

Volts (V)

12V is the amount of force your car battery and alternator delivers

Amps (A)

Think of this as the volume of electricity the battery is pushing through a cable.

Watts (W)

A measure of power that is easily converted to Amps with the following formula:

Watts ÷ Volts = Amps

Amp-hours (Ah)

Calculated by multiplying Amps by hours to represent consumption over time. Deep cycle batteries have a rating that specifies how many Amp-hours (Ah) they contain.

The Basics of 12V Battery and Solar Setups in the Outdoors:

If you want to run appliances, devices, and lighting in your campsite – you’ll need a deep cycle battery. It’s not recommended to use your vehicle’s starter battery.
To keep your drinks cold, you’ll need to connect your fridge to a battery – which will also need to be connected to a charging system i.e. a solar panel or a running vehicle. You can’t skip the battery part, it needs to be in the system.
There is some basic arithmetic you can use to work out how much battery power you need to power your devices, and how much solar or vehicle power you need to keep that battery topped up.

With a bit of knowledge, you’ll be powering your campsite in no time! Image: Hard Korr

Common Questions About a 12V and Solar Setup:

‘What size battery do I need to run your fridge – and how long will it run for?’
‘How do I connect my solar panel to my fridge?’
‘How many solar panels do you need for a caravan?’
‘Can I run my fridge from my car’s starter battery?’

All valid questions that we receive almost every day from customers starting out with 12V and solar power for camping. The information below answers all these questions, so by the end you’ll be armed with enough knowledge to label yourself a 12V ninja!

But first…

Solar panels are a key part of your setup. Image: Hard Korr

What’s Needed for a 12V Solar-Charged Setup?

There are three components to a basic 12-volt solar-charged setup:

1. The devices you want to run

2. A battery to power the devices you want to run (generally a deep cycle battery)

3. Something to charge the battery that is powering the devices you want to run

You can’t skip Step 2; you need a battery in your system! You’ll also need a solar controller between the solar panel and battery, to regulate the charge going into the battery. These are generally integrated into or form part of the wiring that came with your solar panel.

The factory-installed cigarette outlet isn’t heavy-duty enough for high currents. Image: Companion

Can I Run These From a Factory Cigarette Outlet in my Car?

Good question!

Factory-installed cigarette outlets are often made with lightweight housings and cables that won’t handle high currents, or even medium currents, for long periods without becoming hot.

These outlets are often rated to handle a maximum of 120W or 10 amps (using our formula from earlier: 120W ÷ 12V = 10 Amps) at any given time, and are also generally only powered when your vehicle is on. This has them useless at the campsite.

They are also wired to your vehicle’s starter battery, which leads us to our next common question…

For How Long Will my Fridge Run From my Vehicle’s Starter Battery?

Not nearly as long as a deep cycle auxiliary battery or power pack will!

The starter or cranking battery on your car is designed to give a high discharge of power, known as ‘cold-cranking amps’, to start your vehicle – followed by a period of recharging from the vehicle’s alternator. A deep cycle battery, however, is much happier with a prolonged and slow discharge.

Whilst you could power your fridge for short periods from a cranking battery, we recommend only doing so whilst your vehicle is running – otherwise, you’ll potentially be calling for road service.

A battery box is an option that you have. Image: Hard Korr

Is the Best Solution to Install an Auxiliary Battery or Use a Portable Power Pack?

In this article, I will refer primarily to a portable power pack, but the basics are the same for both of the following setups.

A portable power pack is generally not dependent on a vehicle, so you can locate your solar panel and power requirements wherever you need it i.e. in a tent or camp kitchen. This is versatile and ideal if you don’t have space for a second battery under the bonnet.

Another option is to install a second or ‘auxiliary’ deep cycle battery into your vehicle, where you use your vehicle’s alternator to charge the battery. This hard-wired setup is ideal for those on the move every day. It can also be beneficial for those wanting to stay in one location for a period of time as it facilitates batteries with larger power storage – but you’ll probably need to include solar charging in your setup.

Setting up an auxiliary battery in your vehicle requires a little knowledge if you are doing so by yourself. Alternatively, an auto electrician can install one professionally for you.

If you don’t have space for a second battery, a portable power pack might work for you. Image: Goal Zero

How do I Work Out my 12v Power Requirements?

Grab yourself a notepad and pen, and write down all the Amp ratings for each of the appliances you want to run in your campsite – converting watts to Amps with our formula from earlier.

Let’s assume (I’m making up figures here) you want to run a 12V fridge rated at 2.7A max, and two camping lights each rated at 0.6A.

With all of these appliances running non-stop, they will be consuming 3.9 Amps. (2.7A+0.6A+0.6A = 3.9 Amps).

Consider though, that your lights will only be consuming power for a few hours in the evening and your fridge will only consume power whilst its compressor is running, which will be cutting in and out to maintain temperature.

So – hourly power consumption will, for the most part, be far less than the maximum. It will also vary over 24 hours, depending on the time of day, ambient temperature, and how often you open your fridge.

Let’s look at three different times of the day. Just as a disclaimer, I’ve made up the figures below for the sake of simple calculations:

Daytime – Fridge Only

Daytime running fridge only: 7am-5pm = 10 hours

Estimate that fridge cycles: 15 mins on/15 mins off = 30 mins/hour = 2.7/2 = 1.35 Amps

Total consumption over 10 hours = 13.5 Amp-hours

In the day, with just your fridge running.

Evening – Fridge and Lights

Evening running fridge and lights: 5pm-9pm = 4 hours,

Estimate that fridge cycles: 10 mins on/20 mins off = 20 mins/hour = 2.7/3 = 0.9 Amps

Camping lights: 0.6A each = 0.6A x 2 = 1.2 Amps

Total consumption of 2.1 Amps over 4 hours = 8.4 Amp-hours

In the evening, with both fridge and lights in use.

Nighttime – Fridge Only

Nighttime running fridge only: 9pm-7am = 10 hours

Estimate that fridge cycles: 5 minutes on/25 minutes off = 10 minutes per hour + 2.7/6 = 0.45 Amps

Total consumption over 10 hours = 4.5 Amp-hours

At night, with just your fridge running.

If we now add the daytime, evening, and nighttime consumptions together, we get our total approximate consumption for the full day.

Total: 13.5 Amp-hours + 8.4 Amp-hours + 4.5 Amp-hours = 26.4 Amp-hours

What Size 12V Battery Do I Need?

The standard Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) or Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, which are the most common and affordable portable deep cycle batteries, are rated to 44 Amp Hours (44 Ah). An in-vehicle or hard-wired setup is often around 100 Ah.

But, these batteries can only be discharged to 50% of their rated capacity, which gives you 22 Ah of usable power if we use a 44 Ah battery as an example.

Given that, in our example above, our appliances are consuming 26.4 Ah over 24 hours – giving us less than a day of power from a 44 Ah battery, and a little under 2 days out from a 100 Ah battery. So, we need some way to charge the battery after these timeframes.

A lithium battery, however, will give you more usable power and a longer lifespan at approximately half the weight, albeit at a higher price tag. There are different lithium battery chemistries with LiFePo4 being the most common for 12V deep cycle applications. These batteries offer 75-80% of their rated capacity for use meaning a 100 Ah lithium battery would give us 3 days of power in our example above.

Note that these figures are never exact. There are inefficiencies that need to be allowed for, so use these calculations as approximations.

Solar panels will keep your battery charged. Image: Hard Korr

How Can I Keep my Battery Charged Up?

If your battery is hard-wired to your vehicle’s charging system, driving your vehicle every day will keep your battery topped up. Plus, if you’ve also got solar panels hooked into your vehicle setup, you’re as good as ‘set and forget’.

If you’re using a portable power pack, you’ll need to plug it into your vehicle’s charging system whilst driving – or, if you are staying at camp for the day, you can use a solar panel.

Solar panels are generally rated in Watts; the higher the wattage, the quicker they charge your battery. They are not perfectly efficient at converting the sun’s rays into power, so we need to factor in a rough figure of a 20% inefficiency rate.

Each battery type has a different charge profile and you need to match your solar controller or DC charger to the battery type. You can’t, for example, use your cars alternator to directly charge a lithium battery, you will need to use a lithium compatible DC-DC charger in your system, which will add cost but will also improve the charge of your battery. Thankfully, many solar and DC chargers are now being produced to charge all battery types but it is worth double checking.

Use the formula to figure out how to keep your battery charged.

Let’s Do the Maths

Referring to the diagram above, let’s assume you have a 120W solar panel. If we go back to our formula again and divide watts by volts, this gives us 10 Amps (120W ÷ 12V = 10A). If we factor in our inefficiency rate of 20%, we are down to 8 Amps that your solar panel is delivering to the battery (10Amps – 20% = 8Amps).

But remember, our fridge is still consuming 1.35Amps from the battery at the same time. The rate at which the battery is actually being charged in this scenario is the difference between input amps and output amps, which in this case is about 6.65Amps (8A – 1.35A = 6.65 Amps).

A solar panel is only going to deliver charge during the sunlit hours, and not in the shade – so let’s assume that we chase the sun all day by moving the solar panel around, and acquire 8 hours of sunlight.

So, at 6.65 Amps for 8 hours, a 120W solar panel can potentially deliver 53.2Ah of chargeback into our battery (6.65Amps x 8hours = 53.2Ah). This is far more than the 22 Ah we need to charge a depleted battery.

If we work backwards, we can work out roughly how many actual hours of sunlight we need to charge a 50% depleted battery whilst our fridge is still running, by dividing the charge needed by the consumption.

22 Ah ÷ 6.65A = 3.3 hours approximately, to reach full charge whilst your fridge is running.

Make Allowances for Overcast Days

The angle of the sun and the atmosphere impact the amount of sunlight reaching a solar panel, and reduce the output. In reality, if your solar panel is in full sun for 8 hours, you are likely only acquiring 4-6 hours of it’s potential capacity per day. Furthermore, the output of the solar panel may be reduced to almost nothing on cloudy days, so it’s worth ensuring you have a few Amp-hours in reserve.

Long story short, in the above situation, if the weather is clear and sunny and you are chasing the sun with your solar panel each day, you’d theoretically be set to stay in the one spot for as long as you want. If you are relying on your vehicle, charge times will be much less, given a vehicle’s alternator generally delivers a much higher current. You can usually find details on your alternators Amp output in your vehicle manual.

Once your 12V system is set up, it will serve you well. Image: Hard Korr

One Last Thing to Note…

Solar and your vehicle’s alternator don’t always deliver a full charge in the same way a good 240V battery charger can. So, it’s worth hooking them up to one of these and giving them a full charge once every 6-12 months.

That may seem like a whole lot of information, but in reality it’s just the basics. There’s a lot more to learn when it comes to setting up a 12V system in your vehicle.

For now though, at least you can ensure your drinks stay cold!

Ben and Lauren discuss powering up at the campsite early on in Season 1 of the Snowys Camping Show:

How long has it taken you to come up with your ideal 12V power setup?

The post Understanding 12V Battery & Solar Setups for Camping and 4WDing appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep119 – Campsite Q&A’s #8 with Ben & Lauren

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 01:44:45 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

This week, Ben and Lauren are back behind the mic with their raw, rustic, and never-curated-ever-organic approach to answering even more of your campsite questions.

Be it tent protection from the top down, or preventing mid-adventure vermin invasions – boil the billy and settle in for another Q&A episode with your favourite outdoor experts! There’s usually something to learn, and always something to laugh about.

Be it tent protection from the top down, or preventing mid-adventure vermin invasions – boil the billy and tune in to your favourite outdoor experts! Image: Oztent

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

03:28 – Best Shelter for Weekend Camping from Run and Sun?

08:25 – The Zempire Pronto V2 10P: Manageable Set Up Process for a Bloke with a Bad Back?

11:14 – Best All-Rounder of Gas Stoves / Kitchen Setups?

15:08 – Any Plans for a New Zealand Store?

15:56 – What Exactly is ‘Car Camping’?

19:57 – Pros and Cons of Zempire Roof Covers vs Tarp with Poles?

23:25 – Considerations When Building a ‘Tradie Trailer’ into a Camping Trailer?

30:22 – Tips for Keeping Vermin Out of Gear, in Storage and at Camp?

36:17 – What to Keep in the Emergency-Emergency Kit?

40:45 – Light and Easy-To-Roll Swag for a Solo Female with an Injured Shoulder?

45:21 – Tips for Camping with Kids Close to Rivers and Waterways?

49:49 – Best Way to Power a 35L Fridge and Charge a Phone?

55:59 – Summary

Mentioned in this episode:

Podcasts:

Ep38 – Awnings, Shelters & Shades for Summer

Ep59 – Shelters for Rainy Days

Ep68 – Spare Bits for your Caravan Kit

Ep97 – Camping with Kids

Ep31 – Creepy Crawlies at the Campsite

Ep5 – Staying Powered Up When Camping

Ep110 – Car Camping Without Cramming

Blogs:

Understanding 12V Battery & Solar Setups for your 4WD – by Ben Collaton

5 Reasons to Own an Air Tent – by Matt McIvor

Products:

OZtrail Gazebos

Zempire Aerobase

Zempire Roadiebase

Quest Outdoors Air Gazebo

Dometic Gale 12V Pump

Camp Kitchens

Camp Tables

Quest Outdoors Grill Table 5

First Aid Kit

Elemental Emergency Survival Blanket

Dometic Pico FTC 1×1 TC Inflatable 1P Swag

Swags

Self Inflating Mattresses

Coleman Instant Swagger 1P Tent

Insect Protection

Fridges & Coolers

Solar & Power

Companion Rover Lithium 100Ah Power Station

Companion Rover Lithium 40Ah Power Station

HardKorr 200W Heavy Duty Portable Solar Mat – No Regulator

Zempire Roof Covers

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep119 – Campsite Q&A’s #8 with Ben & Lauren appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Dometic vs Engel – A Campfire Debate

Snowys Bloggers — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 22:29:33 +0000

There’s Holden vs Ford, and Land Cruiser vs Patrol – but you will not find a topic that causes greater divide around the campfire than an Engel vs Dometic debate.

Which one really is the best portable fridge?

Rather than listening to stories about someone’s mate’s uncle’s neighbour that had a fridge that didn’t work very well… let us take you through some key differences, so you can make your own assessment.

Which Fridge is More Reliable?

When it comes to reliability, Engel tends to come out on top. With a company history spanning over 50 years, it is not uncommon to hear of an Engel still functioning after 40 years.
The Engel is built with a steel exterior, and there are plenty of stories about Engel fridges surviving endless outback tracks, falls from the back of Ute trays, and vehicle rollovers.
Don’t believe us? Check out this magic machine, owned by Snowys blogger Bob West. When this photo was taken, it had almost been 30 years of living in the back of a mate’s farm ute – often not tied down, always uncovered, and out in the weather. Its bruised and battered facade is deceptive, continuing to spit out delicious sandwiches and cold drinks in the tough Flinders Ranges environment. This photo is a testament to how tough these fridges are:

30 years old, battered, but still working – a legend in reliability. Image: Bob West

With regards to product development though, Dometic has been leading the pack. Unfortunately, this has made them the guinea pigs when it comes to new technology.
In the early days, Dometic were not known for their reliability – but on our experience, the Dometic CFX range looks to be changing this.
After chatting with one of Adelaide’s leading fridge repairers, it seems the Dometic CFX is tremendously reliable, especially in comparison with its older CF counterpart.

Features?

Both fridges have battery protection and the ability to set the temperature.
Both fridges will run from 12 or 240V.
The Dometic has a built-in bung for washing out the interior, making it easier to clean.
The Dometic CFX range has elements that are flush with the sides, while the Engel cooling elements are attached to the side. The latter creates a gap that is hard to clean.
Dometic features a USB output, so you can charge mobile devices or lighting etc.
Dometic also features wireless technology and an app, so you can control your fridge from your smartphone.

The Engel MT-V45F 40L Fridge Freezer. A fine size for an outback 4WDing trip or long weekend away.

Power Draw?

Power draw is extremely variable as there are many factors to consider, such as:

The ambient temperature
Which setting you have your fridge on
The contents of the fridge, and how cold was it before you filled it
How often you open the lid

Find out how to increase your fridge efficiency here.

Let’s assume both fridges are operating in identical conditions, and power consumption is calculated as an average over 24 hours. Both are current 40L models.

At low ambient temperatures (20-30 degrees), both fridges will use similar amounts of power and both are considered very economical.
When the temperature heats up (40+ degrees), the Engel will start to use more power than the Dometic
For the reasons outlined below, the Engel will still use a little more power – but not as much as previously thought.
The Dometic is still one of the most efficient fridges on the market.

Why Does Engel Use More Power?

The Engel compressor uses less moving parts, making it very efficient in cooler conditions.
Their compressor is limited to a maximum 2.5amps per hour.
This design means it can run out of puff very quickly. Before long it will be flat-out trying to stay cool, and will remain running almost constantly, using more power over a 24-hour period.
Engels are made from metal, so they are very strong. The downside is that metal conducts more heat than plastic, and it’s much harder keeping a hot, metal box cold than it is to keep a plastic one.

Why is the Dometic so Efficient?

Dometic use a variable speed compressor that has the ability to work harder in the hot conditions.
This allows the fridge to cool down quickly so it can turn itself off and ‘cycle’, which reduces the average power consumption.

The popular Dometic CFX3 35 Fridge Freezer 36L. Ideal size for a couple travelling on an extended camping trip, or even a weekend.

Where are Engel and Dometic made?

Engels use a Sawafuji Swing Motor, which is made in Japan. The fridge/freezers themselves are made in Thailand.
Dometic fridges are made in China and used to have the German “Danfoss” now known as SECOP compressor. The CFX range runs a new compressor developed by the brand, also made in China, called the VMSO3 (Dometic proprietary Variable Motor Speed Optimization).

The Verdict

Not many adventurers would be disappointed with either of these fridges. There is a lot to be said about Engel’s reliable history, but you pay extra for this and meanwhile sacrifice a little on efficiency.

You may not have the same reliable history with a Dometic CFX yet, but the efficiency, functionality, and lower price tag mean they’re great value for money.

Some believe that the Dometic out-spec the Engel on paper, and appears to be much better value for money. Snowys blogger David Leslie says he has owned a Dometic since 2010 and it has never missed a beat – and uses less power than his mate’s Engel every time (which he loves to hear about).

For more information, read more from David Leslie on how to power your camping fridge for longer, and a guide to help you purchase the right portable fridge for you.

The post Dometic vs Engel – A Campfire Debate appeared first on Snowys Blog.

14 Ways to Say ‘I Love You’

Snowys Staff — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 01:30:00 +0000

We’re outdoorsy people; of course we’re gonna look for a more rugged, real, and rustic way to say those three little words without coating something in chocolate, sticking a flower in the middle, and scribbling ‘with love’ on the tag.

Follow our rose petal trail, and take your pick from 14 different ways to their heart! Image: Salomon

From the pressies for their feet to the gear that beats the heat – this blog goes out to anyone with a skipping heartbeat! This year, swap the dozen red roses with a double self inflating mattress, and the candlelit dinner with campfire damper and a tent tangled in string lights. With our carefully selected Valentine’s Day gift ideas below, we’ve got the key to their carava–

Uh, we mean 4WD–

UHH, we mean HEART.

So follow our rose petal trail and take your pick from 14 different paths to their heart…

Swap the candlelit dinner with campfire damper and a tent tangled in string lights. Image: MPOWERD

1. MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights

No, you haven’t lost your ‘spark’. You just need the Luci Solar String Lights.

Embellish your setup with their radiant tendrils, charged via the power of the sun or a traditional outlet for convenience – plus, the USB port can boost the charge of your mobile phone. Thanks to the unique clips, attaching and suspending the lights is simple, while the dual directional LEDs offer a warm, enchanting glow.

Be it a star-speckled constellation at your campsite, or pizzazz to the patio – these string lights offer no-fuss, romance-abundant lighting with a touch of elegance.

Keep the rubbish, recyclables, and wet gear separate from your vehicle’s clean interior.

2. Bushranger Wheelie Bin

The Wheelie Bin by Bushranger will either be well-received as a kick-butt addition to their 4WD kit, or read as a subtle way of saying ‘you’re grotty, sort it out or we’re done xx’.

Keep the rubbish, recyclables, and wet gear separate from your vehicle’s clean interior, owing to a self-supported main compartment that holds 57 litres, a moveable ridged divider for convenience, and two sides reach a 5-litre capacity. The hard-wearing, reinforced PVC with a double padded base and partial walls offer extra strength and reliabiity, UV-tested to hold up to colour-fading with a reflective strip to ensure visibility at night too. Four side-release buckles secure the lid, and vented eyelets in the base make for easy draining.

This is no trash talk (well, except for in a literal sense).

Good luck chasing her once she gets going up the gradient in these butt-kickers!

3. Salomon Quest Rove Mid GTX Women’s Boot

For one to ~step it up~ this Valentine’s Day, one must first box it up – and we recommend the Quest Rove Mid GTX Women’s Boots by Salomon.

A durable Mud Contragrip® outsole with deep, sharp lugs guarantees grip on loose, uneven, or slippery terrain, while an EnergyCell midsole absorbs impact. These boots also boast an Advanced Chassis insert that offers stability, lateral support, and protection, while a Gore-Tex membrane delivers breathable water protection for damp environments. A split-suede leather and Gore-Tex upper construction guarantees durability, dryness, and longevity, a toe cap offers protection, and 3D mesh mediates debris – so she can traverse the ups and drops from road to rubble.

Good luck chasing her once she gets going up the gradient in these butt-kickers, offering guaranteed grip for the go-getter gals!

Constructed from high-quality leather with a firm snap-closure to keep your pocket knife secure.

4. Leatherman Leather Box Sheath 4” Small

‘Oh sorry babe, I can’t fix that. Forgot my knife.’

Either that’s a lie and they secretly don’t know how to, or they genuinely need the Leatherman Leather Box Sheath to keep their fix-it kits at their hip.

Constructed from high-quality leather, it features a firm, snap-closure to keep your pocket knife secure – plus, an integrated belt loop so they’re literally joined at the hip. The Box Sheath 4” Small is also compatible with the separately available Wingman, Sidekick, Rev, Rebar, and Heritage Rebar multi-tool models from Leatherman.

If longevity is the goal, gift them the gear that looks after what they’ve already got.

True comfort that carries them from around the house to across the town.

5. Birkenstock Arizona Cross Town Sandal

Fall in love with versatile, rustic footwear designed for outdoor affairs.

With a cork-latex footbed that moulds to the anatomic shape of your foot, and a suede footbed lining – these sandals are the straightforward slip-on of their around-the-place streetwear. Keep it classy with classic, adjustable buckle closures over a sophisticated two-strap design of oiled leather, complete from the ground up with a two-component polyurethane sole – a supportive, sporty shoe for outdoor activities calling on contoured comfort!

True comfort that carries them from around the house to across the town.

Consisting of two loops – one for each mattress – and a vertical band in the middle.

6. Exped Universal Mat Coupler Kit

This one goes out to the new couples who have been single for so long and have grown to enjoy their own company so much that they still own a single mattress.

Stay as you are fam, Exped has got you covered and coupled with their Universal Mat Coupler Kit.

Consisting of two loops – one for each mattress – and a vertical band in the middle, this kit works to keep the mats level in the middle. Adjust the coupler to the thickness of the mat by moving the middle band, and accommodate the width of the mat by adjusting the outer tabs. Position the straps at the shoulder and hip height to space them out well.

Thin but durable, they’re unnoticeable as you sleep and versatile across almost any single mattress you may own.

Go on. You know you’re there now. Couple up.

Like your Valentine, the Victorinox Camper Pocket Knife is a cut above the rest.

7. Victorinox Camper Pocket Knife

For a gift that makes the cut, the Camper Pocket Knife is designed with the organised adventurers in mind.

You’ve got a Valentine in Victorinox, who never half-finish a job and have crafted beautiful, functional, precision-quality, and innovative knives for over 100 years. With a wood saw for chopping kindling and a can opener with a slot-head screwdriver – this knick knack is kitted out for the moments when fixing a piece of equipment and tucking into a can of baked beans are just as pressing as each other. Just like uttering those three little words, cut to the chase with a large blade for the tougher tasks, while a toothpick and tweezers bode better for tackling the more tedious.

Like your Valentine, the Victorinox Camper Pocket Knife is a cut above the rest.

As a certified carbon neutral product, they’re the gloves that give a little love.

8. XTM Performance Real Deal Unisex Glove

You know they’re the real deal – and so are these. The Valentine’s Day gift that fits like a glove.

As a certified carbon neutral product, they’re the gloves that give a little love. With GORE TEX® INFINIUM technology for lightweight water resistance and windproofing, their hands are as warm as their heart, bolstered amid the outback winter chill. Silicon lining in the fingers bodes well for grippy digits while a reinforced goat skin leather palm defies the rough and tumble of the outdoors. Plus, they can count on the touch screen compatibility for tablet-ing and gadget-ing on those picture-perfect coffee breaks.

We gotta ~hand~ it to XTM Performance, delivering armoured tactility for your ~amor~ of outdoor activities: the Real Deal unisex glove!

From salty air to moments shared, feel the heat without the burn this Valentine’s Day.

9. Caribee Long Reef Beach Shade

Could you (Cari)BEE any more in love?!

Like your loved one, the Long Reef Beach Shade by Caribee is stylish and second-to-none.

This shelter delivers quality shade in the summer months. Yeah, you’re a team of two – but this shade offers an easy, one-person setup with the included poles, pegs, ropes, and mallet, while the carry bag keeps everything you need under wraps in one neat package. Its setup design allows various options, depending on the angle of the sun throughout the day – simply adjust to suit your needs.

From salty air to moments shared, feel the heat without the burn this Valentine’s Day, with the Caribee Long Reef shade.

Owed to a recycled polyester shell and liner construction, enjoy lightweight loafing.

10. Exped Camp Slippers

Kick back after tackling the tracks together, in the Exped Camp Slippers.

Owed to a recycled polyester shell and liner construction, enjoy lightweight loafing after lumbering the trails and resistance wear and tear (you know, from all that lounging around in each other’s company). With anti-slip, PVC-free soles, shuffle from the camp kitchen to the campfire with adequate grip.

Be it a hotel, hut, or tent – they can settle into synthetic fibre filling for a warm, comfortable fit on the next couples’ trip.

The MegaMat hold a reputation for being reliable and extremely comfortable.

11. MegaMat Duo 10 LW+ Self Inflating Sleeping Mat

Here’s a solid relationship to strive for: Snowys and Exped, where the MegaMat is one of our longest and best-selling products in our range.

Individually tested to be 100% airtight before approved for sale, with a reputation for being reliable and extremely comfortable – the MegaMat 10 Duo LW+ boasts a velvety surface fabric laminated on hollow cored foam, ensuring superior insulation and a minimal packed size despite a massive 10cm in height when expanded.

Plus – if all mats are designed to withstand 5 times the pressure attained during normal inflation, you can withstand the 5 days of pressure to decide on a Valentine’s Day gift.

Fully padded for surrounding comfort.

12. Oztent Koala Hotspot Lounge Chair

If all you’ve got to give them this year is a hug, at least the Koala Hotspot Lounge from Oztent like a giant cuddle on legs.

Spatial awareness was so last Valentine’s Day. This year, curl up in cushioned comfort with the Koala Hotspot Lounge.

Constructed from a breathable and comfortable blend of cotton and silk.

13. Sea to Summit Silk + Cotton Liner – Double Extra Wide

So much of us wants to start this by saying ‘now you can get down and dirty in the outdoors’, but we won’t.

…Oh.

Anyway… this extra wide liner is constructed from a breathable and comfortable blend of cotton and silk, double-folded with reinforced seams for effective performance. Plus, it’ll both improve the thermal qualities of your sleeping bag and keep it cleaner for longer.

From the hotels to tents, store it snug owing to its compactness, and throw across a bed for a clean, fresh sleeping quarters.

Offering your sleeping beauty a touch of luxury.

14. Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow

At number 14, it’s only fitting that we call it a night. If a hoodie is a hoodie, with no business being a pillow after hours – the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow offers your sleeping beauty a touch of luxury on any trekking or travel adventure.

Featuring a soft 50D polyester cover wrapped around a TPU bladder, its subtle synthetic insulation in between blends with the contoured shape to provide a comfortable sleep beyond suburbia. Plus, a multi-functional valve facilitates easy inflation and rapid deflation, packing compactly into a stuff sack that fits snug in the palm of your hand.

Hearts in your eyes yet? Image: MPOWERD

There are more where those heartthrobs came from, on our Lovey Dovey Deals page.

What are your plans for a Valentine’s Day adventure this year?

The post 14 Ways to Say ‘I Love You’ appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep118 – Campsite Q&A’s #7 with Ben & Lauren

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 03:20:28 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

With the abundance of budding adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts across the country…

…comes a plethora of keen, campsite questions to be answered!

In this episode, your favourite gear experts prepare their notes, park themselves behind the poddy mics, and produce yet another Q&A episode, addressing your most common queries posed across our Snowys YouTube and social media platforms.

With the abundance of budding adventurers comes a plethora of keen campsite questions! Image: Companion

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:52 – Cooking Options for Total Fire Bans?

07:28 – Advancements in the Outdoor Industry?

13:24 – Perfect Pop-Up, WP, Couple’s Tent for Overnight Boat and Island Camping?

17:11 – Bit of Kit That You No Longer Keep but Wish You Did?

24:36 – Next Guest on the Show?

25:20 – Best Way to Secure Gazebos in High Winds?

30:54 – Weirdest and Most Wonderful Camping Hacks: Genius or Ridiculous?

32:22 – What if Your Husband Hates Camping…?

37:40 – National Parks Annual Passes

39:49 – Pros and Cons of Camp Toilet and Shower Options?

46:08 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Podcasts:

Ep45 – Fire Ban Seasons with the CFS

Ep114 – Roof Top Tents with Dave & Jacob from Snowys Brendale

Ep57 – Weird & Wonderful Camping Gear

Ep96 – Weird & Wonderful Camping Gear #2

Ep51 – Taking Care of Business with Camp Toilets

Blogs:

‘”You’re Taking THAT?!” The 5 Weirdest Items in my Hike Pack’ by Kate Grarock

‘Weird, Wonderful & Disturbingly Strange Camping Gear’ by Ben Collaton

Products:

Westinghouse Single Induction Cooktop (2000W)

Swag Poles

Darche Dusk to Dawn Composite Swag Pole Set

Air Tents

Rooftop Tents

Solar Panels

Hard Korr Zeal 12V AGM Deep Cycle Batteries

Sleeping Mats

Sleeping Bags

Lightweight Sleep Gear

Dome Tents

BlackWolf Classic Dome

Knives

Down Sleeping Bags

Hard Korr U-Lite Dual Colour LED Lanterns 4 Pack

Pegs

Supa Peg Polycarbonate Sand Pegs

Guy Ropes and Trace Springs

Coleman Instant Up Lighted Gazebo 3×3

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep118 – Campsite Q&A’s #7 with Ben & Lauren appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Summer in the Snowy Mountains

Fraser Darcy — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 01:30:00 +0000

Take me back to the sweet times,
The hot nights,
Everything is gonna be alright
In the summertime,
Baby in the summertime!

Bet you’re all thinking Bondi Beach, lifeguards, ice creams, and having a good time to mid-2000’s rock right? Well that’s one way to spend the summertime. Another way is by chucking a u-ey on the whole beach, sand, surf idea and instead going to the Snowy Mountains – which is exactly what I did in December! I had a great time, and I’m here to plead the case for why you should consider the Snowy’s in the summer!

The sand:person ratio is getting dangerously low in this stock image, but this is most metro beaches come any day above 25 degrees Celsius!

The Snowy Mountains are the main piece of action in the Great Dividing Range, and help create the Australian Alps with the Victorian High Country (south of the border). In winter, the ski resorts of Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass, and little old Selwyn are humming with people. Car parking at Perisher can sometimes be so hectic that they close the road, and people with pockets of money, arms, and legs to pay for their skiing are turned away! The ‘Snowy’s’ in wintertime are essentially bonkers.

Neatly positioned halfway between Melbourne and Sydney… meaning you’re as far away from one as you are the other.

The view from the Guthega car park in winter. Behind me was a horde of Guthegarians(?) I swear!

In summertime, it’s much more pleasant, which matches the climate as well. Maybe they should be called the ‘Sunny’ Mountains in Summer?

OK, it was cloudy during my race… but usually it’s sunny!

I travelled over as part of the UTMB’s Ultra Trail Kosciuszko trail running event in the first week of December, and stayed within Thredbo for a week. Pre-race, I soaked up the atmosphere down in Bullocks flat and was impressed by the fairytale-like walking paths. In winter, these are generally frosted over and you’re too frozen out of your mind after skiing all day to go for a gentle walk!

The wombat-manicured grasses and well-groomed paths right next to the Thredbo river are a real treat. As I checked out more of the Thredbo River, I ventured up to Dead Horse Gap and the snow gums, where track infrastructure (bridges you’d expect trolls to live under) continued to delight.

The runner behind me was from Finland and the look on his face just says ‘you’re telling me, people go to the beach in the summer instead of checking out these trails?’

Sure, you can walk around and check out these sights at the bottom. Or, like most of the other Thredbo-ites (Thredboians? Thredders?), the mountain biking trails at the resort itself are worth checking out. At one stage, the lift to take riders and their bikes up to the top of the mountain had a line as long as ski lifts I’ve seen at Perisher and Thredbo, though it was only for a short second.

During the actual race I was a part of, I experienced some of the same trails in a bit of blur. Passing the top of Thredbo at Eagles Nest twice in the race allowed me to better appreciation just how cool the Snowy’s are (in summer, there is still a chairlift that provides access at Thredbo if you’re not a hiker). Post race though, I was really able to soak in what a trip to the Snowy’s in summer means. I soaked my legs in the Thredbo river and wandered over to the pub (affectionately called The Local Pub) for a chicken parmy and a beer. In winter, this’d be an affair with icy roads, jackets, maybe rain, and a massive crowd. In summer, even while an event is on, it was cruisy as – which is what you want for a summer holiday, right? Kick back, relax, and enjoy sitting outside in the sun with a nice cold drink.

Thredbo, chairlift, sun.

Post-post race, I took a drive up to Perisher and Guthega to visit more of the terrain. Leading out from Charlottes Pass, where the 100km and 100-mile courses went, are five of the tallest mountains in Australia, including Mt.Kosciuszko. My legs didn’t have it in me to venture out there, but I did follow part of the Snowy’s Alpine Walk from Guthega. With almost $30 million of funding from state and federal governments, these trails are very much like the ones below. Except, the terrain you’re rolling through makes you want to bust out like Julie Andrews (‘the hills are alive’).

Me: ‘I’ve got a race to win, let me pass please’.
Everyone else: ‘Yeah that’s cool buddy, I’m just gonna walk a bit and soak up the scenery, pretty good isn’t it?’.
Me: ‘…touche’.

If walking isn’t your thing, maybe you can’t be bothered riding or even driving up to visit the top of the Snowy’s, or perhaps your appetite for water activities in summertime is too insatiable, you might think the Snowy’s isn’t for you.

Wrong.

Down in Jindabyne, your one-stop shop for supplies that has a nice mix of quaint and expensive real estate. There’s this massive lake – and I don’t know if you’ve heard, but between the 1950’s-1970’s they had over 100,000 people (mostly Europeans) come over and take the Snowy River through the Snowys, build some dams, and that’s how we got the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The dam to construct Lake Jindabyne flooded the original site of Jindabyne, but it did lead to improved access to the ski resort areas (which I am very grateful for). Of course too, it has resulted in this massive lake now suitable for sailing, water skiing, and other generally frivolous activities!

Lake Jindabyne and all its glory.

Reflecting on my whole week in early December, I am only sad about one thing: that I was only there for a week, and I was focused on my race (in which I finished 5th, by the way ). Having spent two ski seasons at Perisher, I can attest to how good the area is in wintertime. Having spent a week there in December 2023, as well as New Year’s celebrations in 2017/18, I can confirm it is the same in the summer. I just wish it wasn’t so far away from my home base!

To even out my sad reflection, the most positive thing about the Snowy’s is that if you want to be around people in the summer, there are plenty of places to do that in Thredbo and Jindabyne. However, if you want some summer solitude and can’t find it at the beach, a walk along any of the trails emanating from Thredbo, Dead Horse Gap, Perisher, Guthega, or Charlotte’s Pass will drop you into an area of beauty that most Australians will never appreciate exists on this strange, wide, mostly brown, and dry continent. Yep, you don’t need to visit Europe to see the Alps – you just need to get yourself to the Snowy’s, and maybe you’ll see me there too.

The rusty brown metal road (i.e. not yellow and not brick either) leading through the top of the Snowy‘s.

And even if I have to wait ’til next year,
I don’t care,
All I know is that I’ll meet you there,
In the summertime.
Baby, in the summertime,
That is where I’ll be!

(*makes inaudible guitar noises with big smile on face*)

Boy I’m glad the race is done, because now I can relax in the Snowy’s.

Ever seen the Snowy Mountains in the summer? If not, would you consider spending part of the warmer seasons there?

The post Summer in the Snowy Mountains appeared first on Snowys Blog.

5 Tips For Planning a Camp Trip

Todoing Family — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 22:48:49 +0000

Looking to head off on a sneaky holiday, big trip, or weekend getaway? There are a few considerations before choosing that perfect destination for a camping or caravan vacation.

Your next camping destination might not necessarily be right under your nose. You may have to look for it.

A little thought and planning can make all the difference, and this blog will help to narrow down to the perfect destination to travel to on your adventures.

Choosing the perfect location for your next getaway doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

1. How Far Will You Travel?

The magical travel time for the perfect getaway is well known in the tourism industry to be around two hours. Accommodation and experience providers aim to be located around 2 hours from major populations – but in a country as large as Australia, travelling for a little longer can be rewarding.

If it’s a weekend getaway, two hours or so is about right. However, if you will be extending your stay at the next destination, a longer journey is definitely doable.

You don’t want to have to race to your destination – plan the distance and journey in proportion to how long you will stay there.

As we travelled around Australia, we found the average distance for a trip was around three hours. That was over a year travelling Australia with around 150 stops. Some trips were shorter, particularly near capital cities, while others stretched up to six or seven hours.

Of course, the terrain you are covering can alter travel times. Are you heading off-road, into the high country, or along some beaches? If the answer is yes to either, travel certainly won’t be as fast as tearing up the Mount Panorama main straight! Make sure to allow for this as well.

Some of the best locations are off-road and remote. Allow enough time to get into them.

2. ‘Me’ Time or Social Time?

There are over 25 million people inhabiting Australia – but even on such a large continent, you can always find some space for yourself. Are you looking to get out to enjoy it alone, or to have some fun with new friends?

Caravan parks and resorts can be very popular, frequented often by plenty of people on short, medium, and longer-term holidays. If you are looking to meet like-minded people, you can slide into a site and straight into a social group.

Are you wanting to go camping or on holiday near lots of people to share adventures, stories and fun?

Alternatively, you might be looking to head off somewhere remote, where there’s just you, some great views, and the odd native animal. Australia has some of the best remote camping and caravanning destinations in the world – and while you may need to travel a little longer to get there, the rewards of silence and stunning views can be incredible.

Or would you prefer something a little more remote, perhaps for some alone time?

3. What Camping Style Works For You?

If you’re heading off in a tent with little else, you might need to camp a little closer to some facilities, like bathrooms and toilets. Same goes for some campers or pop-top caravans without full facilities. Different campsites, national parks, and caravan parks have different facilities available to campers and caravanners; some near, some far away, and some non-existent.

Do you want to be close to facilities like camp kitchens, toilets, pools, and playgrounds? We love a good camp kitchen when available.

If you have a full caravan, portable facilities, or just don’t mind roughing it a bit, your options open up considerably. It also provides more of an opportunity to get back to nature and enjoy the simple things.

Or are you happy creating or taking along your own amenities and resources?

4. Be Smart and Have an Emergency Plan

During our summers, Australia has fought some of the harshest bushfires in history. Many holidaymakers have been caught up in some pretty terrifying situations – and we were no different on our trip.

Whenever you head somewhere, be aware of multiple exit points.

Can you get in and out in an emergency? If you can, where do you need to head to?

Where are the nearest populations and hospitals?

Having a fire or emergency plan when travelling is just as important as when at home.

Accidents can happen. When travelling around Australia, we had a broken and dislocated wrist to tend to, which had has heading to hospital!

During our travels, we were able to access emergency apps to monitor and avoid raging bushfires – but we couldn’t totally avoid our share of emergencies! A bike incident resulted in multiple emergency and hospital visits for one of our sons, luckily on the east coast. However, another son fell in a fire on the Gibb River Road, requiring first aid and a subsequent visit to a remote community hospital for follow-up.

We also had a first-degree burn to manage, in a fairly remote part of Australia.

Whenever we travel, we take note of exit routes, local hospitals, and towns. We also carry with us our first aid kits, water, and communication devices to keep us and our family protected.

It can also come in handy to help others. On our travels, we often came across local and international tourists who weren’t prepared and needed help with First Aid and even water.

It’s not just about knowing your options. Whenever we go anywhere, we take along our backpacks, full of emergency supplies.

5. Leave Your Destination Better for the Next Visit

As we travelled around Australia, we were always amazed at how little others seem to care for some of the great locations we have to offer. It’s not just the international tourists either!

When we depart somewhere, we always try to leave it in better condition than when we found it. Picking up rubbish is pretty simple, and can make a big difference to the local environment. Pay it forward when you can.

As the expression goes: ‘take only photographs and leave only footprints’!

Wherever you go, leave only footprints. If you have the chance, clean up after others leaving a site even better than when you found it.

Australia is massive, and choosing the destination for your next camping or caravan trip can be overwhelming. Hopefully, we have helped you with a process to help find your next getaway!

Ben and Lauren also discuss the considerations when both finding and choosing a campsite, on the Snowys Camping Show:

How do you choose a new location? What do you consider and what resources do you use? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

The post 5 Tips For Planning a Camp Trip appeared first on Snowys Blog.

How to Save Water When Camping

Aaron Schubert — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 23:44:35 +0000

There are a lot of new skills to pick up when you begin camping, and one of the most important is how to save water. When your regular mains supply is unavailable and you need to rely on what you’ve got stored, water is suddenly like precious liquid gold!

I’ve seen several budding campers go through a very steep learning curve regarding water usage, especially when camping in more remote locations. Unlike at home, you are only able to carry a certain amount – and if you’re not careful with it, you’ll run out! This is particularly the case for caravans and camper trailers with showers on board. As convenient and luxurious as they are, it’s easy to empty the water tanks by enjoying those long showers.

7 days off-grid with only the water we brought.

Pay Attention

Next time your water bill comes in, have a look at the amount of water you are consuming at home each day. Then, think about the water storage you have when camping. The average consumption in Australia is anywhere from 100-300 litres per person, per day. You just can’t get away with that when camping without a very elaborate setup (which we discuss further down). If anything will encourage awareness around water usage, and help someone appreciate the need to conserve water – spending time off-the-grid will do it.

So – how can you save water when camping?

Bush baths for our two little boys.

Clean Yourself Efficiently

Hands down, showering is the largest consumer of water when camping. For this reason, a vast number of people decide to forego showering altogether, which is the ultimate way to save water. Instead, they regularly use wipes and sponge baths which, although not overly glamorous, are quick, easy, and leave you clean and refreshed.

Our outdoor shower set up with water-efficient showerhead.

However, if you do have a shower, there are many advisable habits you can embrace to conserve water.

The first is to make sure you have a conservative pump and showerhead.

The second is to adopt a new practice: before turning the water on, get organised with undressing and have everything you need ready to go. Turn the water on, wet yourself down, turn the water off, soap up, turn the water back on, quickly rinse yourself, and turn it off once more before hopping out. By using this method, our little family of 4 (including 2 toddlers) can each have a reasonable shower using under 14 litres of water in total. That’s 3.5 litres of water on average, and we repeat this regularly.

Another fantastic tip is to consider using dry shampoo. This is particularly useful for those with longer hair – you will use a tremendous amount of water when wetting and rinsing liquid or bar shampoo.

Electric pumps can make you waste water easily.

Make Water ‘Harder’ to Get

On our previous camper trailer, we had much less water storage, and it also came with a hand pump. This manual device requires you to move a knob up and down, building the pressure for water flow. More effort and time is required, but hand pumps have one very distinct benefit: they will save you water. With each stroke, you are consciously pulling water out of your limited supply.

When you can flick a lever, or turn a tap on, it’s easy to allow water to run down the drain – and when you have a limited amount, this is an issue. For kids especially, a hand pump is a fantastic way to conserve water.

Alternatively, ensure your pump and piping don’t empty your tanks with a high flow rate. Anything around the 4L/minute is going to do you very well.

Lastly, you will use less water from a small tap on a jerry can than an electric pump that just chugs it out with no regard for your water conservation. You want to be comfortable, but anything that has you conscious of your water usage is a good thing – which leads us to the next point…

Our flow metre is showing we have 107 litres of water left.

Meter the Water

A large majority of people rely on rudimentary water gauges, or the ability to either feel the weight or see the water levels through a jerry can. A game-changer for us has been the flow meters we have on our new camper trailer. These reset when the tank is full and calculate every single litre as the water is used, displaying the remaining volume on the digital screen.

Flow meters are a brilliant way to not only know precisely the amount of water you have left (as the level sensors are average at best), but to keep track of consumption while doing individual water-based tasks. This is how we know we are only using 14L of water for our family showers.

Washing hands regularly or using a sanitiser is crucial for maintaining hygiene. Image: Sea to Summit

Keep Your Hands Clean

Hygiene when camping is essential, and frequent handwashing is a crucial part of this. We primarily use hand sanitiser for its convenience, effectiveness, and lack of water requirement. Washing your hands several times per day with soap and water eats into your supplies and, although this method is still necessary from time to time, compensating with sanitiser reduces water consumption.

Camping near freshwater is handy for bucket washing your socks and jocks.

Wash Your Clothes Efficiently

Laundry on the road isn’t the easiest task, especially when your water supply is restricted. Many people take their washing to a laundromat, therefore saving their stored water.

However, this is not always possible – and washing clothes on the road is common. Whether you are using a bucket for your laundry, a small washing machine, or a wash bag – one of the best things you can do is use a wool wash-based detergent, as this doesn’t require rinsing off. As a result, you’ll save a heap of water.

Collecting clean water from a creek.

Use Other Water Available

Of course, you must use this water for the right applications. Plus, always maintain awareness of your environmental impact by using eco-friendly products that will not contaminate waterways. That said, camping near a water source is a valuable asset.

Rivers, Creeks, and Lakes

We regularly take water from creeks, rivers, lakes, and even the beach occasionally. This is never for drinking, but we regularly use all but the seawater for showering and bathing and, if it’s clean, to pre-rinse filthy dishes (like those following a roast dinner!). With just a stainless steel bucket, a fire, and access to clean water – you can have hot water exceptionally quickly. This is magic for a camping shower or bush bath for the kids – and it costs you nothing!

Seawater

Now, you might think that the only good thing about seawater is seafood and boating, but that’s not exactly true. We use it for cleaning the bulk of muck off our dishes regularly, before giving them a rinse in freshwater. It’s also the perfect thing for cleaning seafood and any rust-proof gear. If you have stubborn things to clean that need a bit of muscle, mix a little sand from the beach with some water, and you’ll be scrubbing for half the time – it works like magic!

Catch What You Can

Get creative if the weather turns during your trip – instead of cursing the rainwater, collect it! There are parts of Australia that receive a heap of rain, and a few creative people make use of this. If you have a tarp or awning, you can direct the water into a bucket. Some vans even have a setup to channel rainwater straight into a secondary tank.

Rainwater is brilliant and, providing you are careful with how it’s collected and used, a terrific way to keep your water topped up.

Many camp oven meals are one-pot wonders and use fewer dishes.

Conserve What You Have

One of my favourite ways to conserve water is to use what nature has given us. However, if that is not available, here are some tips to help save each precious drop of what you have stored!

Limit Dishes and use Spray Bottles

Anything you can do to reduce the number of dirty dishes you create will conserve water. One-pot meals are a huge winner for many reasons, but especially in regards to dishes and water consumption. Many people like to use a spray bottle filled with water, and a small squirt of detergent. For most plates and bowls, all that’s required is a small spray and a gentle wipe, followed by a dribble rinse with fresh water.

Baby Wipes

Although you need to dispose of them responsibly, baby wipes are one of the most compact and useful items when camping. Besides their obvious use for children, they are fantastic for cleansing yourself and general cleaning about camp. We always have some with us – not just for the kids, but for us adults too!

Cook on the Fire

We’ve fallen in love with cooking over the hot coals of a campfire! The meals are delicious, and there are often far fewer dishes which makes clean-up quick and easy. We use a small fold-out grill that is perfect for reducing our clean-up. Alternatively, the camp oven is a great option for one-pot meals too.

Put fires out with collected water.

Extinguish Fires with Collected Water

You should never leave your campfire as either hot coals, or still burning. Too many people have stood on old fires, and received terrible burns. Covering them up with loose dirt is not a solution either, as they can continue burning for a long time.

Applying water is the best way to extinguish a campfire. This can come from the ocean, a creek, river, or lake – or even your greywater works. Just don’t use your drinking water, if you can avoid it.

MSR Guardian Water Purifiers are another filtration system. Image: MSR

Make Your Own Water

Last but not least – it is even possible to turn dirty or brackish water into perfectly safe, drinkable H2O!

If it doesn’t contain salt, a filtration or chemical treatment can be used. Surprisingly, freshwater can be created from saltwater using an RO (Reverse Osmosis) unit. This is not for everyone, as having an RO system requires a lot of space and energy – and the initial setup can be costly. However, it is the ultimate way to create significant volumes of freshwater daily. Alternatively, if your requirements are minimal, purification systems like the MSR Guardian Water Purifier or the Grayl UltraPress are compact and portable solutions.

Some people travel full-time with impressive solar and battery systems. enabling them to operate their RO unit and provide endless fresh water on demand. That said, they do need to be camped near a water source – but even beach camping allows them this option.

A hot shower when camping is nothing short of amazing.

It Takes Time

New habits take time and practice to learn, and these methods shouldn’t feel like an enormous sacrifice or a significant inconvenience. Instead, they should simply be a part of camping that you learn to do and appreciate.

A hot shower when you are out bush or camping on the beach is nothing short of amazing – and it’s possible with the right water-saving methods in place!

Ben and Lauren also discuss water storage options for camping on the Snowys Camping Show:

Do you have any tips for saving water when camping? Let us know in the comments!

The post How to Save Water When Camping appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep117 – Campsite Q&A’s #6 with Ben & Lauren

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 03:06:15 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Fresh at the desk for 2024, Ben and Lauren kickstart Season 4 with their sixth Q&A!

Be you a solo 4WDer or an on-the-road family of five – your favourite outdoor experts detail their answers to the top queries in their inbox, from fridge capacities and battery pack portability, to compact tents, extended trips, setups, and storage advice.

Be you a solo 4WDer or an on-the-road family of five – your favourite outdoor experts detail their answers to the top queries in their inbox. Image: Coleman

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:13 – Kicking Off Season 4 with Another Q&A!

02:07 – Ben and Lauren’s New Year’s Resolutions

04:59 – Induction Cooking for Camping?

12:08 – Will Ben and Lauren Be Back for ACOF 2024?

13:29 – Thoughts on 4WDing Solo?

17:56 – Most Compact 4-Season Tent for a Family of 4?

24:57 – How to Prepare Items for Storage in Muggy Weather

31:40 – Weird Items to Take Camping?

34:14 – Perfect Fridge Capacity for Couples on a 1-2 Week Trip?

38:10 – Recommended Setup for a Family of 5 on the Move?

45:49 – Best Portable Lithium Battery Packs for 70L Fridge/Freezers?

52:11 – Best Way to Manage a Quiet Bush Camping Situation Involving a Petrol Generator?

57:24 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Blogs:

How to Plan a Solo Vehicle 4WD Trip

Podcasts:

Ep77 – Camp Cooking Competitions with Cam

Ep35 – Camping Etiquette

Ep12 – Caring for Your Camping Gear

Other:

The Seasoned Chef

How to Repair Your Tent Fly

Brands:

Products:

Zoleo Global Satellite Communicator

Spot X 2−Way Satellite Messenger with Bluetooth

Hard Korr Heavy Duty Battery Box

BlackWolf Turbo 300

Gear Aid Seam Grip TF Tent Fabric Sealant

Nikwax Tent & Gear Solar Proof

Dometic CFX3 35 Portable Fridge/Freezer 36L

Engel MT−V45F 40L Fridge Freezer

Canvas Touring Tents: 4 Season

Portable Fridges

Rooftop Tents

4WD Awnings

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep117 – Campsite Q&A’s #6 with Ben & Lauren appeared first on Snowys Blog.

10 Ways to Repel Bugs While Camping

Ben Trewren — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 23:30:00 +0000

With the weather warming up for another summer down under – the mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks, leeches, sand fleas, no-see-ums, march flies, horse flies, bird lice, stable flies, black flies, gnats, fleas, deer flies, Scottish midges, and more can often demoralise even the most seasoned adventurer!

Enjoying yourself in the outdoors always requires a bit of ‘prior preparation to prevent poor performance’. So, I’m sharing my ten tips on how to keep those pesky bugs at bay.

As the saying goes: if you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in your tent. Well, the same applies here: small efforts can have a huge impact!

Enjoying yourself in the outdoors always requires a bit of ‘prior preparation to prevent poor performance’. Credit: Hard Korr

1. Reduce the Appeal

It’s common for bugs to find their victim through scent. To reduce the chance of bugs coming for you, avoid the smelly deodorants, body sprays, creams, ointments, and other scent-inducing products! If the need for a wash arises, consider using a non-scented or naturally-scented soap, such as the Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash with Citronella. This will reduce how much odour you emit, and that alone can halve the number of flying pest attacks!

2. Spray & Cream

Probably the most common defensive strategy when attempting to keep the bugs at bay is the use of repellent spray and/or cream. There are plenty of options on the market, but my personal preference is for those with natural ingredients. These can sometimes be difficult to locate, in which case an option like Bushman’s is a reliable go-to.

When considering sprays and creams, ensure they have either low or no odour, and include at least 20% DEET (Diethyltoluamide). Furthermore, take notice of how long the product claims to remain effective, what bugs it claims to repel, and whether it’s water- or rub-resistant!

3. Dress for the Occasion

It makes sense, when you think about it… the more skin is exposed, the more there is for bugs to feast on. Even on a warm night, wearing a light windbreaker will reduce bites. Consider a Buff to protect your neck and face, or even just a pair of socks to protect your ankles and feet.

Consider a Buff to protect your neck and face. Credit: Buff

4. Candles & Coils

Candles and coils have been utilised for years as a barrier for bugs – however, there is a diversity of opinion regarding their effectiveness. In masking the scent produced by humans, they act more as a deterrent than a repellent.

In my experience, much of their effectiveness comes down to the ingredients in the candle or coil, where paraffin wax and 100% natural citronella oil seem to be the most trusted combo. Other factors include the density of candles or coils in the area you’re trying to deter the bugs from, and environmental conditions such as wind.

5. Orange Lighting

Now – I’m no scientist, but I know that when considering light at camp, it’s the colour output that determines how much it attracts flying insects of all sorts.

A light’s colour output determines how much it attracts insects. Credit: Hard Korr

Bugs generally see three colours of light: ultraviolet (UV), blue, and green. Bright white lights are the most attractive for insects, whereas yellow or orange light (suggestive of sunlight) is less so for most. This explains the increased availability and popularity of yellow and orange camp lighting kits, such as this one from Hard Korr. The warm lighting provides interchangeable options, setting a nice atmosphere around camp and simultaneously reducing the attraction of bugs!

Yellow or orange light (suggestive of sunlight) is less attractive to most bugs. Credit: Hard Korr

The warm light sets a nice atmosphere around camp, simultaneously reducing bugs. Credit: Hard Korr

6. Zappers

In a similar light (excuse the pun), UV light can also be harnessed to attract bugs to low-voltage zappers, stopping them dead in their tracks.

These small, portable, and often rechargeable devices pack a pretty effective punch for their cost. I’m constantly amazed by how powerful and effective zapper lanterns (like this one) can be! Plus… I reckon there’s a sweet joy in hearing that sizzle of death every time it zaps a bug!

7. Bracelets

The jury is out on repellent bracelets. For me, they have never seemed to work – but I’ve adventured with others who swear by them.

The silicone bands are worn on your wrists and usually chemical-free, which appeals to those who are hesitant to spray aerosols or rub the cream onto their skin. While they are chemical-free, they tend to be a dispensable item given they often only last for 48 hours.

8. Gas-Heated Mats

A lightweight, compact, and shared option for the weight and space-conscious adventurer, these gas repellents utilise heat to activate a repellent-coated mat that provides over 20 square-metres of protection from bugs. The repellent mats include allethrin, a synthetic extract from the chrysanthemum flower. They last for up to four hours each, and replacement mats are available too.

A 100g Isobutane or Propane gas canister will provide over 90 hours of protection. However, just like candles and coils, it’s important to recognise that environmental conditions (such as wind) can reduce their effectiveness.

Thermocell mosquito repellers provide over 20 square-metres of protection from insects. Credit: Thermocell

9. Campfire Smoke

In locations where campfires are still permitted, smoke is another effective deterrent. When insects smell burning wood or leaves, their instinct is to flee the vicinity to protect themselves from danger (i.e. bushfires). In a sense, your campfire is just another fire to bugs, and that triggers a retreat!

The downside of embracing a campfire to repel insects is the inevitability that someone will always be in the direct line of smoke!

Campfire smoke is another effective deterrent. Credit: Ben Trewren

10. Nets for Beds & Screen Rooms

An option that avoids sprays, creams, smoke, and smells is a screen of some kind. Given that a tent or swag is a stagnant, sealed area of warm air and condensation (plus a live food source), it’s no wonder insects are desperate to get in!

The most obvious is what you might already have at camp, and keeping the fly-screen zipped up on your tent or swag throughout the day. Many swags and tents feature ‘superfine’, ‘ultrafine’, or ‘insect-proof’ mesh over the windows and doors. This doesn’t mean that the shelter is midge proof; in many cases, midges are small enough to invade mosquito- and other insect-proof mesh. Instead, ‘sandfly-proof’, ‘midge-proof’, or ‘no-see-um’ mesh is theoretically designed to be fine enough to restrict midges.

As well as this, the reliability of the zips and taped seams (to close off manufacturing defects like holes) will also help. Another recommendation is to spray the mesh of your tent, swag, or shelter with permethrin (one of the options that cause minimal to no damage to fabrics).

There are other products you can add to your kit, too. The simplest of the more individualised options is a head net. If that doesn’t suffice, consider a bed net for one, or a few. To maintain communal space, a screen tent is the best option.

The frustration that comes from these screens, however, is that everyone is confined to a relatively small space – and once somebody gives that up, they risk facing bugs that are no doubt ready to pounce!

Screen tents are the best option for maintaining a communal space. Credit: Oztent

To avoid sprays, creams, smoke, and smells, a screen of some kind also helps to deter insects. Credit: Sea to Summit

We’ve also discussed this topic on the Snowys Camping Show.

What about you? How have you fought the good fight in seeking peace and refuge from these relentless bugs? Got any tips, tools, or tricks not covered above?

The post 10 Ways to Repel Bugs While Camping appeared first on Snowys Blog.

‘You’re Taking THAT?!’ – The 5 Weirdest Items in my Hike Pack

Kate Grarock — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 23:30:00 +0000

Hiking and backpacking are often associated with essentials like water, food, and shelter. However, every hiker has their quirks and preferences when it comes to packing. In this blog post, I’m going to share the five weirdest items that have earned their place in my hiking pack!

1. Beer

Yes, you read that correctly – beer. While many hikers opt for lightweight, space-saving beverages, I can’t resist packing a couple of my favourite beers. On a good day there will be a bubbling cold creek close to camp to chill my beers a little, but often they are a touch on the warm side. Despite this, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a beer while taking in the breathtaking views at the end of a challenging hike. In fact my passion for beer is probably what got me into ultralight hiking in the first place.

My friends love pointing out that I’ll pay $1,000 for an ultralight tent and weigh my undies but the beers in my pack never get weighed. I have tried venturing out to alternatives like port or whiskey, but I just don’t enjoy them as much. Everyone has their own hiking style and there is no right or wrong way to hike. So long as you are getting out there and enjoying yourself, that’s the main thing!

I’ll pay $1,000 for an ultralight tent and weigh my undies but the beers in my pack never get weighed!

2. 3.5kg of Camera Gear for YouTube Videos

As a hiking and adventure enthusiast, I love capturing my experiences and sharing them with my community. My camera gear, including tripods, gimbals, and audio equipment, may add weight, but the reward of creating films of my adventures is well worth it. While out there filming, it forces me to look more closely at nature so I can try to capture its beauty and share it with the viewer. I believe hiking is a great way to deepen our love and curiosity for the natural world and hope to share that through my videos. The gift of sharing these videos with my YouTube community is definitely worth the 3.5kg weight penalty!

My camera gear may add weight, but the reward of creating films of my adventures is well worth it.

Everyone has their own hiking style, and there is no right or wrong way.

3. Bushcraft Knife with Ferro Rod

Starting a fire with a ferro rod might take longer than using a lighter, but there’s something deeply satisfying about the process. Using basic tools to create fire, I feel more connected to nature. I have to think more deeply about the fire I am going to make that evening; perhaps collecting tinder during the day and processing it into fine fibres that will take a spark easily. Nurturing that spark into a flame requires your full focus. I find it to be a meditative and calming activity. It helps you to appreciate the fundamentals of fire, which has been crucial to human survival for millennia. Watching the fire grow from a small spark into a warm, comforting blaze always lifts the spirits. For these reasons and so many more, I’ll always reach for my ferro rod and bushcraft knife when heading outdoors.

Starting a fire with a ferro rod might take longer than using a lighter, but there’s something deeply satisfying about the process.

4. Lightweight Trail Shoes (Altra Lone Peak)

I’m a massive fan of ditching the rigid heavy boots for minimalist trail shoes. Trail shoes are typically much lighter than boots, which can make a significant difference to your comfort and reduce fatigue, especially on long hikes or trail runs. I swear by the saying that a pound on your foot is equivalent to 5 pounds in your backpack. My trail shoes also have amazing breathability and ventilation, which keep my feet cool, preventing moisture build-up that can cause blisters. They also dry quickly if you get them wet. I don’t even bother to take my shoes off for stream crossings, which is safer and faster.

My trail shoes also tend to be more flexible and provide better freedom of movement for my feet and ankles. I love being able to feel the terrain under my feet; I feel more connected to the land I’m walking on, but it also gives me greater agility. Transitioning to minimalist shoes should be done gradually to allow your feet and lower legs time to adapt, as sudden changes in footwear can lead to discomfort or injury. Now that i’ve found trail shoes I’ll never go back to regular boots.

Trail shoes are typically much lighter than boots, which can make a significant difference to your comfort and reduce fatigue.

5. Toothbrush Tablets

To balance the weight of my beloved beer, I’ve invested in a heap of ultralight gear and one of these great discoveries is toothbrush tablets! These little tablets not only save me space and weight, they are also environmentally friendly. Many toothbrush tablets come in recyclable or biodegradable packaging, reducing the environmental impact of disposing of plastic toothpaste tubes. Additionally, the tablets themselves are often more environmentally friendly compared to traditional toothpaste, therefore leaving less harmful residues in the environment when you are hiking. Toothbrush tablets can also be used without water as you don’t really need to rinse your mouth after use, helping to conserve this valuable resource. I also really enjoy using toothbrush tablets – it took me a couple of different brands to find one I love, but now that I’ve found it I’ll never go back to regular toothpaste when outdoors!

These little tablets not only save me space and weight, they are also environmentally friendly.

Toothbrush tablets can also be used without water as you don’t really need to rinse your mouth after use.

In the world of hiking, connecting with nature in your own unique way is what makes the experience so special. While some may laugh at the contents of my pack, each item has a story and a purpose, adding to the enjoyment of my time outdoors. My favourite saying is: “hike your own hike’. Do what works for you, not what others do. I have a friend Julia who carries a very big and heavy pack. I initially thought she was crazy but now I just keep quiet and enjoy the chocolate pudding and hot cups of tea she provides along the walk.

My favourite saying is: ‘hike your own hike’. Do what works for you, not what others do.

What’s the weirdest item in your hiking pack? Let us know in the comments below!

The post ‘You’re Taking THAT?!’ – The 5 Weirdest Items in my Hike Pack appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Top 10 Tips for Camping in Summer

Snowys Staff — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 23:30:00 +0000

Summer is one of the best seasons for adventure.

School’s out, the weather is fine, and one can usually manage to score a couple of days away from work. It’s the perfect time to pile some gear into the back of the car, hit the road, and escape the concrete maze and city haze of suburbia.

To make the most of the balmy nights and clear skies, we’ve listed our top tips for warm-weather camping…

School’s out, the weather is fine, and one can usually manage to score a couple of days away from work. Image: Zempire

1. Orange Lighting

Bright white lights attract bugs like nobody’s business.

A great way to mitigate this is by illuminating your campsite with warm or orange lighting. This is less attractive to bugs, so will help to minimise their presence.

That said – don’t ditch the mosquito repellent!

The warm hue of orange lights is less likely to attract bugs. Image: Korr Lighting

2. Light-Coloured, Loose, and Breathable Clothing

Look for long sleeves for sun protection, and choose fabrics that are light, fast-drying, and help regulate your temperatures (such as technical synthetics or merino wool).

In warm weather, wearing cotton is fine – but it could cause discomfort or chafing if you start to perspire, as it doesn’t dry quickly when wet.

Wear protective clothing to keep you cool. Image: Sea to Summit

3. Insect Protection

Camping close to a body of water means you don’t have to walk as far for quick dip – though it also brings you closer to the breeding ground for biting insects such as mosquitos and midges. The summer months are prime producing times for mosquitos, and they do so in water. With this in mind, put some distance between the water and your campsite.

Aside from mozzies and midges, flies can be a huge pain while cooking or relaxing outdoors. A quality head net will help to prevent you from losing your mind, or a screen room provides a peaceful, ventilated space.

Lastly, DEET or citronella are reliable, safe solutions to the swarms and stings. Alternatively, Thermacell mozzie repellers work well too.

Mozzies will be breeding near water in warm weather, so camp further away from water. Image: Coleman

4. Remove the Tent Fly

If your tent is constructed from synthetic material, it will become stuffy in warm weather. This is because it is not as breathable as a natural fibre, like cotton.

If you are certain rain isn’t on the cards, sleep with the fly off your tent to allow maximum airflow throughout. This will cool down the internal temperature and prevent the air from becoming stale.

An alternative is to camp with a canvas tent. The combination of synthetic and natural fibres allow for better breathability in warm weather.

If your tent and the weather allows, sleeping without the fly will add more air flow. Image: Oztent

5. Don’t Forget Electrolytes!

It’s common knowledge to stay hydrated during warmer weather, though it’s easy to forget to replenish your electrolytes. A loss of electrolytes can lead to dehydration and other more serious conditions. To avoid this, keep some hydration powder handy in your camp kitchen or hiking pack.

Be aware too that it is possible to drink too much water! This can result in ‘hyponatremia’, which is when there is either too much water or not enough sodium in your blood. Either way, watching your sodium and water levels is an important consideration during those summer escapades.

Some are even designed to be frozen and eaten as icy poles – so you can simply swap them in place of Zooper Doopers!

Carry and drink more water in warm conditions. Image: Sea to Summit

6. Freeze Your Food

…so your icebox or fridge doesn’t have to work as hard!

Pre-freeze you meals in advance before your camping trip. Not only will this save you time and effort at dinnertime, but it will also help relieve some of the strain from your fridge or icebox; in summer, they’ll be naturally battling against a higher ambient temperature.

For more tips on how to reduce energy use in your 12V fridge, check out Snowys’ blog writer Aaron Schubert’s article. Plus, if you’re looking to keep ice for longer in your icebox, these tips are helpful too.

A quality esky, icebox or fridge will make a world of difference. Image: Coleman

7. Bring Your Own Shade

Shade is not always available at the campsite, so be sure to bring the awning poles for your tent and set up some of your own. If your tent doesn’t feature an awning large enough, throw in a gazebo for extra coverage – or a tarp set up or compact fly as lighter options.

Having the option to set up your awning will add versatility and shade. Image: OZtrail

8. Cooling Towels or Bandanas

A super simple way to keep cool when kicking about outdoors in the summer is a cooling towel or neck tie.

Simply wet the towel and hang it around your neck. The water will evaporate slowly over time, cooling you down in the process. Another option is to first chill them in the fridge or Esky.

A portable fan will add fresh air flow on a still night. Image: Coleman

9. Circular Airflow in Your Shelter

On a hot, stagnant night, there often isn’t any airflow throughout your shelter. This can have it borderline impossible to achieve some decent shut-eye.

If you can’t catch a cool breeze – make one yourself.

Bring along a portable camping fan to set up in your tent or caravan, and open up any windows and doors. Leave the screens in place to create a circular airflow.

Wearing a hat will also keep you cooler at the campsite. Image: Oztent

10. A Hat and Sunscreen (Obviously)

Aside from protection from harmful UV rays, a broad brim hat also does wonders for keeping your head and shoulders cooler. Chuck one on when setting up and packing down your campsite, along with long-sleeved clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Each are no-brainers during any outdoor activities.

Ben and Lauren chat more on how to keep cool while camping in the warmer weather on the Snowys Camping Show podcast.

What are your best summer camping tips? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Top 10 Tips for Camping in Summer appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep116 – That’s a Wrap on Season 3

Ben and Lauren — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

‘I flicked through all the episodes, and I saw one that was related to pizzas… I don’t remember talking about pizzas?!’ ~ Ben

‘I just feel like I’ve spent a large portion of this year inside an operating washing machine.’ ~ Lauren

Generating the majority of 2023’s content from their stellar new studio, Ben and Lauren unpack the most notable moments of what could be considered a scramble of sound, yet successful series: Season 3!

From their ever-growing Facebook group to the jam-packed chats with some of the best brands – tune in to your favourite gear gurus as they wrap up Season 3, and toss it under the tree!

Ben and Lauren unpack the most notable moments of Season 3.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:58 – How was your 2023?

03:28 – Fortnightly Structure

04:39 – New Studio

05:13 – Q&A Sessions

05:57 – Facebook Community

06:30 – YouTube Channel

07:34 – General and Car Camping

10:26 – ‘Snowys Camping Banter’

10:37 – Setup Developments

12:27 – ‘Hot Cross Buns’!

13:28 – Interviews and Brand Features

19:28 – Our Brendale, QLD Family

24:24 – Our Resident Camp Cook, Cam

27:38 – Vegemite, Promite, or Marmite?

28:01 – ‘Data Ben’

29:42 – Zempire Tent Tour

31:31 – The Copywriter

32:40 – The Most ‘Boss Camp Kitchen’ Lauren Has Ever Seen

35:24 – Ben and Lauren’s Dynamic

38:23 – A Christmas Surprise, from Ben and Lauren to You

39:49 – That’s a Wrap!

Mentioned in this Episode:

LIMITED DISCOUNT CODE:

PODSQUAD5 for 5% off order total at checkout
Valid until midnight 31/12/23

Podcasts:

Ep 90 – Top This: Camp Pizza Prep

Ep106 – Sea to Summit Tents with Ross Smith

Ep92 – Campsite Q&A’s #5 with Ben & Lauren

Ep113 – Car Camping Without Cramming

Ep87 – Building a Bucket List with Mariska Threadgold

Ep93 – Dometic Fridges with Paul Montaut

Ep101 – Evakool Fridges with Leana and Jaimie

Ep95 – Guide to Hiking Packs with Deuter

Ep114 – Roof Top Tents with Dave & Jacob from Snowys Brendale

Ep107 – How the Big Blokes Camp

Products:

Hard Korr U-Lite Dual Colour LED Lanterns (4 Pack)

Zempire Tents

Other:

YouTube: Snowys Outdoors

Facebook Group (Podcast): Snowys Camping Banter

Thanks for listening, tune in again on January 15, 2024, for next season!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep116 – That’s a Wrap on Season 3 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Darling Time in the Queensland Downs

Emma McPherson — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 23:30:00 +0000

Embarking on a scenic journey through the Queensland Darling Downs region, near Toowoomba, reveals a hidden tapestry of natural wonders and rural charm.

For those with a day or two to spare, the Hampton Visitor Centre offers a gateway to exploration with its self-drive tours. Armed with navigation sheets and a sense of adventure, we set out on an enjoyable, leisurely back roads trip from Hampton to Blackbutt.

Hampton, a quaint hamlet 30 kilometres from Toowoomba, may seem unassuming, but the bustling visitor centre is a treasure trove of information. The friendly staff eagerly shared insights into the Crows Nest – Highfields District’s Ravensbourne and Crows Nest National Parks – along with tips about the surrounding waterfalls, lakes, and attractions.

For those with a day or two to spare, the Hampton Visitor Centre offers a gateway to exploration with its self-drive tours.

Our day unfolded with options for side trips, the first leading us across the Perseverance Dam wall. The view across the water from the picnic tables was captivating, making us ponder a leisurely rest day in the area.

Another enticing option took us to the Koonin Lookout, a hidden gem that offers breathtaking panoramic views and a serene connection with nature.

The view across the water from the picnic tables was captivating.

Perseverance Dam is a pleasant well serviced spot with guaranteed water views.

Tucked away in the Ravensbourne National Park, reaching the lookout involves a journey along an uneven path that winds through the native bushland.

As you ascend, the air becomes crisp, and the surrounding forest comes alive with the sounds of birdlife. Upon arriving at the lookout, you are rewarded with a spectacular vista that unfolds over the valleys and treetops below.

The walk to Koonin lookout is steep and on uneven paths.

Crows Nest Falls Lookout.

Explore the captivating beauty of Crows Nest Falls along the Crows Nest Falls Lookout track, where cascading waters gracefully plunge 20 meters over steep granite cliffs. Travellers Tip: think on the weather, we could only imagine cascading waters’ soundtrack of Crows Nest Falls along Falls Lookout track. There had not been enough rain for a reward after the uneven paths and steep climbs.

The Crows Nest National Park picnic spot was perfect for a peaceful stretch before and after our waterfall wonder.

Back on the road, we navigated through Crows Nest township, grabbing a quick lunch for the journey ahead. The drive to Blackbutt, although devoid of promised water crossings due to recent dry conditions, unfolded a diverse landscape. Starting in Forrest Plantations, the scenery transitioned with undulating roadways, settler farmhouses, and glimpses of cattle roaming freely.

The roads are good, and on the optional side trips tarmac all the way.

Starting in Forrest Plantations, the scenery transitioned with undulating roadways, settler farmhouses, and glimpses of cattle roaming freely.

This route takes you through farmland, so watch out for cows on the road.

As we ascended through the hills, you pass through gates, a testament to the rural character and farm responsibilities accepted with a side trip through private land.

Fortunately, none required our attention, sparing us the usual gate open-and-close duties. Peering through the trees, the valleys below beckoned, tempting us to pause and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding us.

Blackbutt, renowned for its timber and railway history, welcomed us with a park and mural depicting its early settlement. The town radiated a rustic charm, weaving together the threads of its past and present.

The town is also known as a haven for bird enthusiasts. The region’s diverse countryside, including forests, hills, and waterways, attract a wide variety of bird species.

Blackbutt, renowned for its timber and railway history, welcomed us with a mural depicting its early settlement.

Bird watchers can spot native Australian birds such as lorikeets, kookaburras, and parrots, along with the opportunity to observe rarer species. The abundance of natural habitats makes Blackbutt a perfect destination for those seeking a birdwatching adventure in a tranquil and scenic setting.

The return journey to Crows Nest via a more urban back route, winding through Esk, provided a scenic contrast, allowing us to savour the landscape while avoiding the monotony of the highway.

Taking the long way round revealed the wonder of this pretty region. From the rural tranquillity of Hampton to the timber-rich history of Blackbutt, every turn offered a glimpse into the heart of Queensland’s Darling Downs.

The region around Crows Nest has been a treasure trove for fossil enthusiasts. Fossilized remains of prehistoric marine creatures, including ammonites and belemnites, have been found in the geological formations of the Crows Nest area.

If you take the time to pull over, look carefully – there is always something you could miss if you don’t!

These fossils offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient marine life that once inhabited the region, providing a unique perspective on the area’s geological history.

If you are lucky enough to be there overnight on a clear moonless sky, look up. Crows Nest’s rural location, away from major city lights, makes it an ideal spot for stargazing.

The night sky above Crows Nest can offer breathtaking views of stars, planets, and celestial phenomena. Some local initiatives focus on preserving the darkness of the night sky to enhance the stargazing experience, making Crows Nest a potential destination for astronomy enthusiasts.

This scenic road trip captured not just the destinations but the spirit of the journey itself—an unforgettable exploration of nature, history, and the winding roads that connect them.

Have you ever been to the Queensland Darling Downs region?

The post Darling Time in the Queensland Downs appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Keep the Wheels Rolling – Caravan Care & Maintenance

Todoing Family — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 03:13:17 +0000

When we bought our first caravan, we hitched up and headed off on the adventure of a lifetime around Australia, living in it full-time. Like any home, there’s regular maintenance to be done on a caravan.

In this article, we thought we would share the regular, occasional, and sporadic maintenance items and checks that we do to both protect our investment and keep us all safe.

We’ve taken our caravan to some pretty remote but amazing places already. Keeping it all in shape and operating correctly is very important for some happy campers.

A caravan moves around. Sometimes quite often, and sometimes over some pretty bumpy and corrugated roads (especially where we have been taking it)! As a result, things come loose; maybe they get knocked, or simply wear out. Knowing what to look for and what to service or maintain becomes very important.

Bringing the caravan home was an exciting day. It’s a big investment for anyone and you need to protect it.

We’ve broken up this article into three sections – regular, occasional, and sporadic maintenance. Why so vague? Well, it really depends on what you do with your caravan, where you take it, how often you use it, and how long you live in it.

For us – full-time on the road, exploring our country in some very remote and off-track places – there’s always lots to keep an eye on.

There’s plenty of challenging roads out there, not just for your car. The Outback Way, or Australia’s Longest Short Cut, kept us on our toes with plenty of caravan and car remains all around!

Regular Checks:

1. Connections

These are your umbilical cord connections to the caravan, and it’s important to know they are in good condition and working each time you set off from home or camp. Test your lights, test your brakes, test the electronic stability control, video, and any other technology or connections you may have in place. It’s boring – but it’s important!

Checking tyre conditions and pressures regularly is a must.

2. Air Pressures, Wheel Nuts, and Tyre Condition

The pressures of your tyres and their overall condition is very important with regards to safety. Tyres are made from rubber, designed to heat up and cool down to preserve them. If they have been sitting for some time, you really should be checking out the air pressure and overall condition. It’s also good to do this once a week or so if on the road, or more if you change pressures often or move through various weather extremes.

Also, check your wheel nuts! Lots of people lose their wheels to nuts coming off, so check they are tight and secure! We saw it twice in one trip, with wheel nuts the likely cause.

We have 3 x 100AH Batteries and a 3000W Pure Sine Inverter powering most of our caravan. We need to ensure everything is working and in good health.

3. Energy Sources

Your caravan will have a combination of gas, solar, and batteries. You need to make sure that the gas connections to your gas bottles are intact and without leaks. Use a spray bottle with water and detergent as you would on the BBQ at home to check. For more details on how to check gas appliances for leaks, head here. Make sure your solar panels are clean and the wire connections in place.

For your batteries, check out their health with a multimeter to ensure charging is working and, if in doubt, take it into a professional to test the overall health of your batteries. Make sure you give them a good, regular charge to maintain them too!

Although off-grid is our preference, plugging into power every now and then keeps our batteries in good condition.

Occassional Checks:

1. Plumbing

Your caravan will likely have one or more water tanks: a water pump to send the water around the caravan, and likely a hot water service. It will have a network of pipes between water outlets and the pump, and then some more to your grey water waste point. Check for any leaks, clean the pump pre-filter of any debris, and wash out your water tanks if you have filled up with any hard or poor water, to stop the bad build up in the tanks. Kids are great to send underneath to get to those hard to reach spots!

Children are good at getting in and under the caravan to identify leaks, cracks or other early problems!

2. The Undercarriage of the Caravan

In addition to the plumbing, you could also check your wheel bearings to ensure they are packed and intact, check your suspension, as well as any other cables or connections that are situated under the van. Identifying problems early helps reduce bigger issues and costs in the future.

3. Appliances and the Smoke Detector

Remember to defrost the fridge and check it is working to the correct temperatures. Check your smoke detector weekly, change the battery annually, and ensure any other appliances in the van are secure and functioning correctly.

All of our appliances get a good workout. We also ensure we test everything and inspect the cables for damage. We lost the microwave out of this spot on the Nullabor!

4. Doors, Latches, Handles, Locks, and Stabilisers

When a caravan moves, a lot of it shakes, bends, or has pressure applied. Dirt and dust get in, and sometimes even rocks too. Check all of your doors, latches, handles, any locks, and your stabilisers. Make sure function is correct and free, and clean and lubricate as required.

Sporadic Checks:

1. Hot Water Anode and Water Filter

Your hot water system may have an anode in it – many do. It’s a sacrificial piece of metal that’s designed to corrode faster than your hot water service itself. Every 12 months this should be changed to help protect an expensive piece of equipment! The water filters play an important role too. We have a separate water filter outside of the van when we fill up or connect to water, as well as one on the kitchen sink for filtering drinking water. These filters fill up fast, especially when you travel remotely or to places with harder water (like in Western Australia).

Check out the difference in the water filters! What a difference 6 months in WA makes. Very hard water over there, and very distinct colour differences.

2. Weights

Weights might be an odd one, but the payload of your caravan is there for a reason. There are also some rules and heavy fines in place for a serious safety subject. Things add up. One thing picked up here, another added – all can translate to real weights. Before we set off, we weigh our van and regularly check in to make sure we are within our legal limits and specifications.

We regularly get our car and caravan checked to ensure that our weights aren’t over. A lot of accidents and damage are caused by being overweight or off-balanced in terms of loads.

3. Rust, Mould, Ventilation, and Seals

Give your caravan a good, deep clean and wash. Look out for any rust or mould that might be showing early signs, and either treat or remove it. Likewise, check your van’s ventilation to ensure any filters or vents are clear, and that the seals on windows, doors, and other openings are clean.

You’ll be amazed at how and where dust gets into every nook and cranny. Just when you think you might have cleaned it all out, more appears!

By getting on top of your maintenance items and methods with a regular plan, you can greatly increase the life of a caravan – as well as its value. It’s like any investment: look after it, and it will look after you. There are some amazing places to see out there, and what we have quickly learned is that caravans can do anything and go anywhere!

Nothing but us and the outback! Look after your caravan and it will look after you.

Did we miss a key maintenance item you like to keep on top of? Please share it in the comments below!

The post Keep the Wheels Rolling – Caravan Care & Maintenance appeared first on Snowys Blog.

How to Stay Motivated During the Holiday Season

Tanya Bottomley — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:52:29 +0000

If you’re here, already exhausted from a big year, and really don’t want to be told how to ‘do more’ – then take a deep breath, drop down those shoulders, and relax!

With worries about the family and in-laws, fitting in all the silly season shenanigans, and thoughts about what you didn’t achieve in the last year that you wanted to – you don’t need yet another article to make you feel bad.

This one is different, and I invite you over the holiday period to jump off the hamster wheel and ‘do’ with intentionality, ‘be’ more, relax, enjoy and consider your purpose and values when making plans, and maybe – just maybe – finish the year feeling good, and go into the holidays feeling excited about the possibilities. Not just for the holiday season, but for the year ahead.

Firstly though, I need to take a step back and explain a few concepts that I want to base this discussion on. Some very key concepts that really shape the way we take action, and the things we do.

Over the holiday period, jump off the hamster wheel and ‘do’ with intentionality, ‘be’ more, relax, enjoy, and consider your purpose and values when making plans.

Having, Being, and Doing

If you hang out with me enough, you’ll hear me talking about BE-ing, DO-ing, and HAVE-ing. Whenever we speak of motivation, goal setting, or trying to figure out how to move forward, we must consider these three concepts; starting with figuring out what we want to HAVE, we then figure out who we need to BE – and finally, we base our DO-ing on that.

Now we’ve got those basics down, let’s talk about using them to have the best holidays ever (oh, and be motivated… if that’s what you want!?).

Whenever we speak of motivation, we must consider these three concepts: ‘Have’, ‘Be’, and ‘Do’.

The ‘Have’

What do you want to HAVE this holiday season? What do you want to achieve?

Maybe there’s a particular hike you want to go on, or a new tramp you’ve been meaning to try and you’ll have some time to over the holidays. Maybe you just want to have a relaxing holiday break, camping somewhere with books and friends, feeling relaxed, happy, and free.

Let’s also keep on topic and say that you do want to have the motivation to continue moving towards a specific goal, in a time full of indulgence, festivities, and holidays. Or perhaps you just want to have peace, calm, and joy in whatever you do – that’s cool too.

Either way, you know what you want to HAVE. Perfect.

Now to HAVE the thing you want to HAVE… who do you need to BE?

What do you want to HAVE this holiday season? What do you want to achieve?

The ‘Be’

When we consider that all the ‘doing’ we do comes from our thoughts, beliefs, and values, this step is the vital one for your success.

The question to ask yourself here is: to HAVE what I want to HAVE, what thoughts and beliefs do I need to hold about myself, the situation, and my goal? In other words, what would that future self who has achieved the goal think and feel? What would they value? How do they show up?

If you want to have that awesome camping trip, try that new tramp, or complete that specific track, you have to believe that you have the time, skills, and knowledge to do it. You have to believe you are capable of doing it, or learning to do it.

This step is about thinking the thoughts that the person who has the thing, thinks! If you want to have motivation, you have to believe you can be motivated, that you can prioritise the thing that’s important to you, and that you are, in fact, motivated!

If you want to have that awesome camping trip, try that new tramp, or complete that specific track, you have to believe that you have the time, skills, and knowledge to do it.

The ‘Do’

When you’ve got a good list of thoughts and a good list of beliefs, you move to the final step: the DO-ing.

What does that person DO? How is that different from the person you are now, and the thoughts and beliefs that might be driving your behaviour currently?

Maybe these days you think there is no time, it’s too hard, you can’t fit it in, and your family won’t understand. Eeeekkk…

Continuing down the spiral of doom, you don’t think you are capable of trying that new tramp, and you don’t believe you have the skills to tackle that new trail. Or, in regards to that relaxing camping trip reading books, you tell yourself you’re no good at relaxing, or it’s a waste of time.

None of this will get you where you want to go – you’ll likely end up feeling bad and heading into the new year thinking you just haven’t got it in you to have what you want.

But you, my friend, now know better!

You know that you need to just try on the thoughts and beliefs that align with what you want to have – and by doing that, you can stay motivated through the holiday season. Heck, you can go one better and set yourself up for a bangin’ new year with your new superpower of BE-ing!

So, you’ll trade the ‘no time’ excuse for ‘I can make time’. Gone is the ‘too hard’, and ‘not capable’, replaced instead with ‘I can learn’ and ‘I’m probably way stronger than I think… it would be fun to find out!?’.

No more spirals of doom – instead, intentionally BE-ing from a place of possibility! HECK YES!

Just try on the thoughts and beliefs that align with what you want to have – and by doing that, you can stay motivated through the holiday season.

The Outcome

The cool thing about starting this process now is that you can create some space over the holiday season to really tune into what is important to you. You can start to show up for yourself and create the experiences you want to create.

So, let’s DO the things that are meaningful in moving us towards our goals, and enjoy the journey. Create the reality you want this holiday season, and have the experiences you want to have by BE-ing the person who has those experiences.

This might just be your best holiday season yet!

Quick Bites

The 3-step process for staying motivated and doing cool stuff this holiday season

Decide what you want to HAVE that is really important to you this holiday season. For example:

Completing a cool hike or tramp that will stretch your skills
Camping in a new spot, chilling, and relaxing with friends and family
Keeping your training going through the holiday period

Figure out the thoughts and beliefs you need to have the goal; who you need to BE. For example:

I can make time for this
I am motivated!
I have the skills I need, or I can learn them
I can be brave
My family will understand and support me
I am capable of anything I put my mind too
I can find a way

Take action from the place of those thoughts and beliefs, and base the DO-ing on them. For example:

Actively planning your calendar with the things that are important to you
Doing the thing you want to be motivated to do!
Booking the holiday or track, and boldly going to do it
Researching gaps in your knowledge
Reaching out to people who can help
Saying ‘no’ to the things that aren’t aligned with what you want
Talking to family and friends, and telling them what you want to do – and why!
Surrounding yourself with people who are achieving what you want to achieve
Noticing ways of thinking that do not support your goals, and actively changing them

The cool thing about starting this process now is that you can create some space over the holiday season to really tune into what is important to you.

I’m at @runliketanya on socials. Tag me and hashtag #possibilityproject #whatelseispossible, so I can see what you are up to and share the adventures!

The post How to Stay Motivated During the Holiday Season appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Camping with Young Kids

Snowys Bloggers — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:08:11 +0000

Long drives may be more challenging with kids than without them, but remember: it doesn’t matter where you are, it’s who you have beside you! Camping with children can be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences. In this blog, we collate the top tips for camping with young children, detailed by some of Snowys’ most seasoned adventurers and experienced family campers.

Before we begin, it’s important to remember that every kid and every family is different – so the tips mentioned in this blog may not work for everyone. Some of you may have already been through the camping stage with kids under five and have had different experiences. If this is true, comment your ‘dos’ and ‘dont’s’ in the comments below – we’d love to hear them!

Ben and Lauren also discuss camping with kids on the Snowys Camping Show:

Camping with children can be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences. Image: Zempire

Travel Short Distances and Take Regular Breaks

Most kids don’t like to sit still in a car for hours on end. Yes, books, music, drawing, and iPads can help entertain them – but the younger they are the less help they are. We’ve found the best method of travelling is to break the trip up into short sections of no more than two hours.

If your kids are still having multiple sleeps a day try and cover the most distance while they’re asleep. Older kids will appreciate a good break at a roadside playground, so factor these into your planned route. If longer car expeditions are new to your family, it’s also a good idea to plan ahead by searching for any day trips on the way to your destination, so that you can find a suitable campground or park for a short break.

Two hours on the road, and 30 minutes to an hour break is a loose rule to adopt. Sure, we cover fewer kilometres in a day – but as we get older, we enjoy the rest. It’s important for cutting down on driver fatigue too.

Listen to Audiobooks

Downloading audiobooks is a fantastic idea for a long car trip. Many libraries offer free e-books which you can borrow before you leave. There’s also the option of streaming apps like Stan and Netflix, which allow you to download and view offline without the use of data.

These are a popular option for a rainy day when there’s not much else to do. I’d recommend using earphones, as it may mean less arguing over what to watch – and should focus the children’s attention while you get a break too!

Break a long drive up into smaller, more manageable sections. Or, if you’re feeling a bit tired, let the baby drive! Image: Xan Holyoak

Caravan Parks are a Good Place to Start

When it comes to your first trip away, there’s nothing wrong with a caravan park if you don’t want to start with a drop-pit loo experience. Most will have a playground and a pool, which is a social hub for both parents and youngsters.

A good camp kitchen is also a bonus if you’d rather not cook at your campsite, or you just crave some adult conversation to maintain your sanity over a glass of something strong!

Familiarise Them with Each Site

No matter how hard you try, you can’t keep an eye on them all the time. A quick chat in the car on arrival can help everyone’s anxiety levels. Walk around the campsite as soon as you’re set up. This way, everyone is familiar with the place, and where everything is.

Explain the Park Rules

Caravan parks will always have a few rules, so ensure that you discuss these and make sure everyone understands any no-go zones and where they should and shouldn’t play. If you’re camping in the great outdoors, set a few physical boundaries and point out any dangerous areas to be wary of.

Two hours on the road, and 30 minutes to an hour break is a loose rule to adopt. Image: Xan Holyoak

Establish Where Basecamp Is

When your kids go off with their new friends, check that they know how to get back to camp before they head off. If you’ve got a site number, make sure you tell them. If not, ensuring that they know what kind of car, tent, or van you’re in makes their return much easier when they ask someone for help.

Plan Meals and Snacks

Pack plenty of water and healthy snacks that are easy for kids to eat in the car. These could include carrot sticks, trail mix, popcorn, dried fruit, muesli bars, yoghurt pouches, and fruit.

I would recommend buying a double insulated bottle for each family member. You can refill your bottles using tap water or with a 10-litre water container from a supermarket.

Before doing a grocery shop, write down a list of snacks and meal ideas. Make sure the meals are quick and easy, as this will save room in your fridge and also reduce wastage.

Pack plenty of water and healthy snacks. Image: Amie Duncan

Simple Meal Ideas

Breakfast:

Cereal and milk (Coconut + Cranberry Weetbix blends are favourites. Chop up some banana and strawberries to throw on top)
Yoghurt and fruit, and/or muesli (yoghurt pouches are a great healthy option for kids, and can also be used as snacks for the drive)

Lunch:

Wholemeal sandwiches or wraps (peanut butter and honey, vegemite and cheese, BBQ chicken anda avocado, etc.)

Dinner:

Ravioli (add pesto or tomato-based premade pasta sauces)
Wholemeal rolls or wraps (add steak, chicken, falafels, or sausage, etc. – plus salad and cheese)

Snacks:

Carrot and cucumber sticks, dips, breadsticks, nuts and trail mix, rice crackers, plain popcorn, individually wrapped cheese, dried fruits, muesli bars, yoghurt pouches, and fruit (grapes, apples, and bananas are great).

Also, don’t forget to pack plenty of water.

Expect the Unexpected

If you get stuck on an isolated 4WD track in the blistering sun, it can be really hard to find enough shade to keep your little ones cool. Always make sure that you have sunblock, water, hats, and a shelter (such as a quick-shade, car awning, or umbrella).

Or, if you’re stuck for so long that it becomes dark and cold, then you’ll want to make sure you have warm clothes, blankets, and closed shoes.

Do your research and find the perfect car seat. Image: Amie Duncan

Invest in a Comfy Car Seat

Young kids don’t enjoy sitting still for long, let alone being strapped in! If you plan on spending lots of time travelling in the car, do your research and find the perfect car seat. You want your kids to be comfy enough to fall asleep if they need to.

Big, Easy-to-Pitch Tents are Key

There is nothing worse than being stuck at camp in cold, wet weather, and not having the space to keep the kids entertained! With the amount of stuff you end up bringing for the kids, you need ample space to store and organise it (so you don’t keep tripping over everything)!

Let’s face it, roughing it in remote locations tends to slow down a bit when the kids come along. Rugged, out-of-the-way locations are replaced by caravan parks with jumping pillows, pools, and playgrounds. It’s nice to maintain a bit of privacy by having a large tent, so you can get changed or have a space to chill out.

Kids get to learn about and experience things when camping that they just can’t at home or in the classroom. Image: Emma McPherson

Invest in a Porta Potti

Once the kids start toilet training, having your own toilet becomes a huge advantage. Running across the campground with your three-year-old with a crowning ‘number two’ isn’t adding to the enjoyment of your camping trip!

The convenience of having a portable chemical toilet around the side of your tent can’t be overestimated. Toilet training can be an extremely difficult process. A Porta Potti can change this. The novelty of using a new, funny-looking toilet can mean your toddler wants to go every hour or so.

Glow Stick Night Lights

This can help if your little one wakes up in the middle of the night. They can find their toys, blanky, or water bottle, and get themselves back to sleep without calling for you.

Not only are glow sticks fun and something for the kids to play with when it gets dark, but hanging a couple in the tent above their heads gives them enough light to see if they need to without keeping them awake.

Swags are the perfect bedding option for kids. Image: Barry Peters

Swags – The Perfect Bed for Kids

One of the most frequent questions we get asked at Snowys is what bedding we recommend for young kids.

An Oztrail Biker Swag is compact in size, and just rolls in the tent without the hoops and poles.

Bedding can be rolled up inside, keeping set-up time quick and simple. During the day, just pull the canvas right up so your child can run and jump around without getting their bedding dirty. If it’s really cold at night, they’ll sleep with the canvas pulled right up to trap in as much warmth as possible.

Then there are the Coleman Hybrid Hooded sleeping bags, rated from -5 to 5 degrees. Always choose a bag that’s warmer than you think you’ll need.

If your kids are still quite small, fold the sleeping bag in half so they don’t wiggle down too far. This puts more padding and insulation underneath and makes their bed cosier.

Slip, Slop, Slap and Cover Up

We’ve all heard it, but it’s easy to get complacent, especially about re-applying sunscreen. Ensure the sunscreen is broad-spectrum (blocks both UV-A and UV-B), sunglasses are good quality, and the hat has a broad brim.

Loose fitting, lightweight, long-sleeve tops, long pants, and shoes protect them from sunburn. They also help avoid insect bites and are better protection against snakes.

Slip, slop, slap! Image: Amie Duncan

Drink, Drink, Drink

Provide your kids with drink bottles that they can carry easily, maybe on a lanyard or belt. Let them decorate it with stickers to personalise it, and remind them to top it up regularly.

Take Note of the Geography

Before your kids go exploring, ensure there are no unforeseen hazards. Cliffs, water, and old mine shafts can be especially dangerous, so be aware.

Stay Vigilant

Don’t let kids, especially young ones, wander too far from camp. In some environments, every direction looks the same, especially in desert or forest areas.

As a good rule of thumb, ensure the campsite is always in view.

Be Aware of Area-Specific Hazards

Some areas have their own specific hazards. As well as disguised dingo traps (like some found at Dog Fence), another hazard to be aware of is bait aid for foxes, dingoes, and feral cats. All these precautions are simple and part of the brilliant learning that comes from time out in the bush.

Keep an eye out for dingoes. Image: Barry Peters

Use a UHF Radio

Handheld UHF radios are now quite inexpensive, so give one to your kids – they’ll love it!

Check-in with them regularly, and carry one yourself to monitor communication. This will enable them to feel quite adventurous, but with the knowledge that they are in contact.

Just remember, kids should not be scared – just prepared!

The Kids Will Get Dirty!

Knowing you’ll cope when the kids get dirty is a great start – just grab a stash of darker clothing and don’t worry about it! Cleanliness is the last thing you need to stress about when the kids are happy.

If you think you’ll need to do laundry when on the road, pack some detergent, and make sure you have some gold coins for the machine and pegs for the clothesline. Get in early to do your laundry so that you can have the load hung out. This also means that you can enjoy the rest of the day too.

An op-shop is a good place to select a camping wardrobe. It’s also a treasure trove of inexpensive toys and books to take. Plus, if you think you’ll go to town or out to dinner, you can always pack some ‘good clothes’ if you feel that you need to.

Let’s face it – the kids WILL get dirty! Image: Emma McPherson

Bring Toys

Allow the kids to bring some small toys that are suitable for playing with around the camp. Kids can play in the dirt with cars, trucks and action figures for hours on end. Provide a tarp that can be laid out for playing card games, board games, or with other toys requiring a cleaner area.

That said, kids at camp run around till lunch like lunatics – then disappear with other campers’ kids till dinner! They don’t always play like they do at home, so likely need only half of their usual gear. Some will spend hours building a sand mine with sticks, stones, and a mound of sand. You don’t always need to overload your vehicle with toys and gadgets, a couple for each child will be fine – and maybe their bikes, if you’ve got the space.

Go for Walks

This is especially good for younger kids. Point out interesting things around them, teach them the safety of keeping the campsite in view, let them use a UHF radio to talk to someone back at camp, and let them do a talk to the group about what they saw.

Take the kids for walks, and point out interesting things around them. Image: Barry Peters

Watch Out for Animal Tracks

Help the kids to identify what animals are nearby:

How many legs?
How many toes?
Where do the tracks lead?
How far apart are the footsteps?
How big might the animal be?

Have a bird and animal reference book handy to help identify the animal.

Be Animal Aware

Teach your kids to watch from a distance. While we don’t want to discourage the fascination kids have for the animals they see around them, it is important to ensure they understand that we are in their territory and they can become frightened by us. Some animals such as dingoes may be protecting their young and can attack if we get too close.

Look out for animal tracks! Image: Barry Peters

Get Them Involved

Kids love to help out! Try to include them in everything, from packing the car to setting up the tent. It may take twice as long but there won’t be anywhere near as much complaining from boredom.

Make sure they have defined responsibilities when setting up and breaking camp. This keeps them involved and gives you time for your tasks. Explain to kids why you do things a certain way so they can learn while they’re helping. Don’t forget to acknowledge their efforts so that they feel a sense of accomplishment and will happily help again next time.

If the kids are old enough too, get them to plan and make at least one meal for the family. Let them find a recipe, buy the ingredients, and prepare the meal. Perhaps even do a miniature ‘MasterChef’ by taking some photos/video while they explain what they are doing.

Take Photos

Young kids can take photos with the relatively cheap and automatic digital cameras available. Even an old phone with a built-in camera could be used.

Encourage them to take photos of things of interest, and later make a presentation on the computer. You will be amazed at the skills even very young children demonstrate with programs such as PowerPoint.

Take photos for the children to create a presentation with later on. Image: Emma McPherson

Fly Kites

Modern kites fold up into a very small space and are easy to carry. Ensure that they are used in a good, clear space to avoid having to untangle and retrieve a kite stuck high up in a tree!

Don’t Drain the Treats or Rewards Too Quickly!

Pack these separately, so that they’re not discovered earlier than you wish! Keep some up your sleeve in a hidden spot for when a reward or distraction is required, or maybe if you need one for yourself!

Family car games can help stave off boredom! Image: Xan Holyoak

On the Road: Family Car Games

The Alphabet Game

Objective:
Work through the alphabet from A-Z with each occupant in the car naming something from the topic to match their corresponding letter.

Method:
Begin by selecting a topic. Something as simple as having to name a type of animal, a capital city, a country or more in-depth topics such as names of fashion designers or a clothing range.

Next, take it in turns (generally clockwise) to name something from the mutually agreed topic in alphabetical order. For example, the chosen subject may be, name a country, which would generally begin with the first person (usually the driver in our situation) answering with Australia or Angola. The person next-in-line would then respond with something like Botswana or Brazil, then the third with Canada or Cambodia and so on.

Rules:
The Alphabet Game sounds relatively simple; however, when you add some weird and wonderful topics into the mix, it does become a little tricky and is always good for a laugh. Further still, if you include a time limit (e.g. ten seconds), it elevates the challenge and creates further entertainment. Watch out for geographic slips too – sometimes you can catch a player out when they incorrectly answer with a city instead of a country!

If you’re nowhere near approaching traffic, you could choose themes that suit your environment. Image: Xan Holyoak

First to Find

Objective:
To earn the most points or rewards by being the first to find the nominated object.

Method:
Each person appoints an item which all occupants must look for along the way. The driver starts the ball rolling, eg. I would determine that everyone, including myself, finds a green Volkswagen beetle.

The next person in line could suggest that we all find a blue tractor but include the specification for it to be driving along the road, the third could be a fishing boat, towed or stationary (a tough find for those landlocked Outback journeys). Once a person finds one of the nominated objects along the trip, they receive a point or reward. The person who initially suggested the located object then chooses a new item to find, and the game continues.

Rules:
There are no defined rules for this game, and only your imagination limits you. You can have this game continue for days, sometimes even weeks, where just minutes from home, someone will shout out-of-the-blue, ‘look! There’s that pink stretch hummer filling up at the petrol station!’

This is a great game to stave off boredom and can be played wherever you go. So, if you’re nowhere near approaching traffic, you could choose themes that suit your environment: ‘first to find… a kangaroo, a wedge-tailed eagle or its nest, a wombat hole, a sign…?’

‘Pick a Colour or Company’ is not a game to play when you are off the beaten track. Image: Xan Holyoak

Pick a Colour or Company

Play this game at any time, but it does require approaching traffic – so perhaps save it for highways, motorways, or the industrial areas skirting the city outers.

Objective:
The race is on to accumulate the highest number in a set timeframe.

Method:
Each person chooses a vehicle colour or car company, then counts how many cars they see on the road in that colour or by that particular manufacturer, within the set time or distance. For example, the driver may pick the colour blue and suggest that they will see more blue cars over the next hour than any other colour.

Alternatively, the driver may suggest that there will be more Toyotas on the road before entering the next town. It requires a bit more attention and vehicle knowledge, but it’s a fun way to learn about the makes, models, and emblems of car manufacturers.

Rules:
Place parameters around colours, so that no one is allowed to choose the most common shades of white, black and red. For added interest, you could include types of paint finish, e.g. metallic, pearl, etc.

This game is not one to play when you are off the beaten track. However, it is a great way to keep everyone alert and interested in what is up ahead.

‘Tootie Frootie’ is a game where parents can choose to be involved or have a break. Image: Kevin Laminto

Tootie Frootie

A game invented by kids for kids, and it’s one where parents can choose to be involved or have a break and indulge in their own quiet time.

Objective:
Initially, this game was a spin-off from Pick a Colour or Company, with the competition set on who can create the most colourful fruit salad within a specified timeframe, i.e. counting each winning point.

Method:
Determined by the colour, each vehicle becomes a type of fruit or an ingredient within the bowl of fruit salad. Feel free to get creative and use your interpretations based upon your favourite fruits, or the kid’s favourites.

Here are some suggestions to kick you off:

a purple vehicle becomes a grape
orange is an orange
yellow is a banana
green is lime, and
pink is a strawberry

When an ‘approved’ coloured car is spotted, the person calls out the name of the fruit and if first, they earn a point. If there are multiple simultaneous calls over the same car, thus a piece of fruit, the players either each receive points or the round becomes void.

Rules:
Similar to the previous game, we omit the most popular colours of white, black, and red. For this game, we also ‘ban’ silver-coloured cars for the same reason.

These family-friendly games are not only a great way to stave off boredom, but they also ensure that the family who plays together, stays together. And if you need a few extra supplies for your trip, check out our range of kids gear to suit your favourite little people.

Short or long drives, car games are a great way to entertain the kids without devices. Image: Xan Holyoak

Camping with Kids: An Insight From Ben

Camping used to be simple. A two man tent, a couple of bags with essentials, a fridge with some food and beer, cooking gear, two seats, and a table.

We’d sometimes drive as far as the 4WD track would let us, before packing our rucksacks and walking the rest of the way to some far-out location away from anything remotely civil.

What Changed?

Our beautiful daughter came into the world.

‘That’s okay. We’ve lost a bit of space on the back seat for a child restraint and box full of toys, and we need more space to sleep. Plus more room for food and drink. But we’re still going camping. I’ll just have to embrace some changes – just not push as far.’

So, we upgraded to a family dome tent, another camp mat, and a sleeping bag. Plus, we added an icebox to our kit.

…Then we realised we need to provide more shade to make things comfortable during the day, and if everyone is going to enjoy camping we need more seats. AND to upgrade the bush toilet.

So, we added a 4WD awning, another camp chair, and a toilet seat.

As your family grows, your car, tent, and kit will grow too! Image: Robyn Jay, Flickr

…Then our family grew again

Three years on, and our family becomes four with the birth of our second daughter.

Now we’ve lost all the back seat space to child restraints and toys, toys, toys! We need to take the port-a-cot, more food, more water, another bag of clothes, and more facilities to store rubbish.

The boot is full and it’s taking a long time to tie everything securely onto the roof rack!

So we added a rooftop bag. Surely that’s enough? We may need to add another camp chair in the not-too-distant future, but I can accommodate for that on the roof.

Turns out young kids don’t like creepy crawlies either, and I’ve avoided the topic of my wife being attacked by mosquitoes every evening for far too long now.

I must embrace change. So, we added a mesh room that clips in under our 4WD awning.

Our Current Set-Up

Now, by the time I’ve set up a family tent, three mats, and a port-a-cot, plus dug bush toilet, checked the bush toilet for stability, extended the 4WD awning, attached the screen room, set up the camp table and chairs, created a camp kitchen, and conducted a full pest inspection to ensure we are as free as we can be from anything resembling an insect – I’m well and truly ready for a beer.

What used to be a 15-20-minute set-up that took equally as long to pack, is now an hour-long set-up that takes an entire day to prepare for!

That said, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Watching kids explore their surroundings, observe the resident sleepy lizard, do some stargazing, and wake up to the sound of birds are some of the best things in the world.

…And it’s not like I’m in a rush to set things up anyway.

A school holiday trip is fun, challenging at times, and rewarding! Image: Emma McPherson

Got teenagers?! That’s a whole new ball game. Ben and Lauren discuss camping with teenagers on the Snowys Camping Show:

Any tips we missed? Comment below!

The post Camping with Young Kids appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep115 – Christmas Gift Guide ‘23

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 22:34:47 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

Well, Silly Season has officially hit the Snowys podcast room…

In this episode, gear gurus Ben and Lauren work their way down their wish lists, detailing the gear and gadgets fit for every outdoor adventure.

From perfectly practical stocking fillers to perfectly portable water faucets, solar-powered string lights, and Sundowner swags – watch or listen for the ultimate gift guide, bundled together with a bow by your favourite, festive outdoor experts!

Watch or listen for the ultimate gift guide!

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

01:29 – ‘Tis the Season!

05:09 – Ben and Lauren’s Wishlist

06:02 – Tiegear Tiedown Equipment

07:26 – Blacksmith Camping Supplies Wheel Bag

08:50 – Dometic Hydration Faucet*

10:33 – Telescopic Camping Toasting Forks*

11:21 – BlackWolf Quick-Fold Lightweight Chair

12:31 – OZtrail Sundowner Swags

14:56 – Opinel Products

16:54 – MPOWERD Luci String Lights*

19:33 – Wacaco Coffee Maker*

20:24 – Camp Blanket*

22:34 – Dometic Iceboxes*

24:04 – Everclear Drinkware*

25:51 – Hard Korr Multi-Tool Shovel and U-Lites*

27:13 – C-Gear L-Shaped Mats*

28:17 – Firepits

30:35 – Folding / Pop-Up Washing Basket

34:24 – Summary

Mentioned in this Episode:

Blogs:

A Snowy(s) Christmas: Gift Guide 2023

Podcasts:

Ep82 – Christmas Gift Guide ’22

Ep6 – Do You Need a Portable Firepit?

Products:

Tiegear Tiedown Equipment

Blacksmith Camping Supplies 4WD Wheel Bag

Dometic GO Hydration Water Faucet Portable Self-Powered Tap

AFN Fishing & Outdoor Telescopic Camping Forks

BlackWolf Quick Fold Lightweight Chair

OZtrail Sundowner Swags

Opinel Products

My First Opinel

MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights

Wacaco Minipresso Espresso Machine

Wacaco Nanopresso Espresso Machine

Coleman Outdoor Blanket

OZtrail Drover’s Roll Blanket

23ZERO Canvas Trail Blanket

Dometic Cool Ice CI 15 Icebox

Dometic Cool Ice CI 28 Icebox

Everclear Drinkware

Hard Korr Multi-Tool Shovel

Hard Korr U-Lite Dual Colour LED Lanterns

C-Gear L-Shaped Multimats

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep115 – Christmas Gift Guide ‘23 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Introducing Kate Grarock

Kate Grarock — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:21:04 +0000

Meet Dr. Kate Grarock, the adventurous environmental scientist.

Hello fellow outdoor adventurers! I’m thrilled to introduce myself and share a little about my world of hiking, solo explorations, YouTube and television adventures, and a deep passion for all things nature and environmental conservation. So grab your favourite trail snack, spark up the JetBoil, and let’s embark on this journey together.

I’m an environmental scientist who is passionate about creating YouTube content focused on equipment, techniques, and hiking. Being in the great outdoors brings me immense happiness and my goal is to help anyone else looking to deepen their connection with nature. I firmly believe that spending time in nature yields significant mental health benefits, and by nurturing our connection with the natural world we can inspire greater efforts to protect the environment.

I have a deep passion for all things nature and environmental conservation. Image: Elsie Percival

Solo Hiking

Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of hiking numerous trails across Australia, including the Cape to Cape, Larapinta, Jatbula, and the Great South West Walk. However, my favourite hiking experience was an informal 700-kilometre trail that follows the New South Wales coast from Sydney to Mallacoota in Victoria, often called the Great South Coast Hike. I had to plan the route I’d take each day, including working out how to cross the many rivers along the way. Sometimes I’d get lucky and I could hitch a lift with a local fisherman or jet ski rider, but other times I had to inflate my airpad and paddle across with my backpack. These days I love off-tack walking around NSW, especially Morton National Park. The self-reliance and the profound connection with nature that solo hiking offers is addictive. However, I also find a lot of joy in car camping with my loved ones, sharing the experience of connecting in nature with them.

I’ve had the privilege of hiking numerous trails across Australia. Image: Jimmy Walsh

My Channel

Capturing the emotions of my hiking adventures and sharing them with the world is something I love doing. On my YouTube channel, I document my hikes, and try to capture the essence of what it’s like to be out there, the stunning views, wildlife encounters, the highs and lows of hiking. I’m also passionate about helping people get outdoors, so I share videos on hiking skills and equipment reviews – from how to go to the toilet outdoors, to what’s in my pack and how to dehydrate your own food. I love making these videos. From the discussion that these videos generate, I’ve also learnt a heck of a lot from the YouTube community.

Want more on that? Ben and Lauren sit down with Kate Grarock in Episode 55 of the Snowys Camping Show:

Bush Blitz

When I’m not out hiking, I’m an expedition Leader at Bush Blitz. We travel to remote parts of Australia looking for new species of plants and animals. My work revolves around learning more about the natural world, which aligns perfectly with my love for hiking and nature. We work with a range of land managers and it’s so special to be in a County with Traditional Owners and see their connection to the land. This work helps me realise there is so much more to learn about the natural world and that’s exciting. I’m dedicated to understanding our environment and advocating for its protection.

My work revolves around learning more about the natural world, which aligns perfectly with my love for hiking and nature. Image: Jimmy Walsh

On my YouTube channel, I document my hikes and try to capture the essence of what it’s like to be out there.

‘Alone Australia’

One of the highlights of my outdoor journey was the opportunity to test my survival skills on the SBS television show ‘Alone Australia’. Ten people were dropped in the wild in lutruwita (Tasmania) in winter – all alone, with ten items to survive for as long as they could. I had to build my own shelter, find my own food, and self document it all with a camera and a couple of GoPros. It was both a deeply rewarding and challenging experience. Witnessing the impact I had on that small patch of land was eye-opening to me as an environmental scientist. When do we ever camp in one spot more than a few nights? I very quickly had to start walking further and further to harvest plants for food and collect firewood. It was shocking to think about the impact we must have in our modern day lives, when I was seeing significant impacts in my little area after a few days. Sadly, we are so disconnected from the environment and our impacts in our modern day lives – for example, we don’t see where our rubbish gets taken or how our power is generated.

My time on ‘Alone’ was truly life changing. In our fast-paced lives we seldom get time to stop, think, and reflect on how we are living our lives and what, if anything, we might change. Living without basic things such as running water, a bed, food, or even people was incredibly powerful. It helped me appreciate everything I have in the modern world. It has also deepened my connection to nature. I love getting outdoors whenever I can.

In our fast-paced lives we seldom get time to stop, think, and reflect on how we are living our lives and what, if anything, we might change. Image: Elsie Percival

Watch This Space…

I have recently started a project to help people get out into nature. I knew when I wanted to start hiking there was a very steep learning curve around what gear I needed, how to plan a trip, and how to stay safe. So I want to help break down some of these barriers so people can enjoy their time outdoors. Seeing the joy people get from being in nature is what inspires me to keep working hard. I believe hiking is a great way to deepen our love and curiosity for the natural world.

So get out there and get curious about all the amazing places we have here in Australia. What do you love most about getting outdoors?

The post Introducing Kate Grarock appeared first on Snowys Blog.

How to Build a Camping Toolkit

Snowys Bloggers — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:40:16 +0000

When you think about camping adventures, issues that may arise during your stay are likely not going to be at the forefront of your mind. Usually, the focus is on where we want to go, what we want to do, and how we want to do it.

One small but important consideration is the gear we need, and how we can ensure it performs during our time away. The frustrating catch is that we spend large amounts of hard-earned money on products that, in the pursuit of our adventures, can at some point break or become damaged. However, this is when the creative fun begins!

Having a toolkit is a pretty handy addition to any setup, be that in your hiking pack, the storage shed, or your car boot.

The first item you need to get sorted is the box or bag you’re going to keep your tools in. Image: Blacksmith Camping Supplies

Why is a Toolkit Important?

These toolkits are invaluable for the next time you’re faced with a camping obstacle that needs to be overcome – whether it be trying to peg into solid ground, getting a fire going in wet and windy conditions, or fixing something that has snapped, ripped, leaked, or punctured. Toolkits can save you lots of money, as it changes your approach; you can find a creative solution with what’s in your toolbox, which can save you from reaching for your credit card.

Whether you’re kilometres from home, at your favourite campsite, or just back after a memorable trip, here is a range of items you should consider keeping in your toolkit. This will ensure you can get back to doing what you love with the gear you love, for a lot less than if you were to replace it.

Toolbox or Bag?

The first item you need to get sorted is the box or bag you’re going to keep your tools in. Whilst it’s easy to get carried away here, aim small because you don’t want this to consume valuable space which can be taken up by other gear.

Solid and durable tool boxes work great for vehicle camping, whereas soft bags like the Blacksmith Camping Supplies tool bag and or Sea to Summit pouch are fantastic for lighter-weight adventures.

A well thought out toolkit can save you plenty of cash and will help make sure your trip runs smoothly. Image: Ben Trewen

Consumables

Once you’ve decided on the size of your tool box or bag, you can then start working on what consumables you might want.

Duct Tape

Capable of many uses, duct tape is a go-to option for when things need to be repaired or rejoined. Covering holes and repairing tears are just some of its many purposes.

Cable Ties

Like duct tape, cable ties can be used to re-attach or hold things together. Organising cables, ropes or hoses, closing opened food packets, locking tubs or bags, and mending broken hooks and loops on a tent – to name only a few uses.

Lubricant

It might be a screw that has gone tight, a pin that won’t release, or a pole that can’t extend. Having a lubricant spray like WD-40 available will ensure you can get out of sticky situations easily.

Glue/Sealer

Your shoe sole might be coming apart, your tent seam might be leaking, or the sleeping pad valve may be seeping air. Fixing tasks like these and many others requires a strong, adhesive, and fast drying glue to get the job done.

Having a solid set of consumables in your kit will make small repairs easy. Image: Ben Trewen

Repair Tape

A form of glorified duct tape, repair tape is transparent, very adhesive, and perfect for mending precious items of gear. It might be a tear in your tent fly, a rip in your rain jacket, or a slit in your hiking pack. Repair tape is designed to bring your gear back to life whilst still looking somewhat new or at least undamaged.

Sewing Kit

If repair tape can’t fix the rip in your rain jacket, maybe sewing it up can. Whether the seam in your pants gives way, the buttons on your waistband pops or the visor on your hat un-ravels, having a sewing repair kit can take care of all these basic sewing jobs. It can also prevent issues from becoming worse.

Paracord

Easy to source, super strong to use, and small enough to carry, paracord is fantastic for all kinds of use. It can be used to reinforce your tent, secure your tarp, hang something from a tree, create a clothesline, tow something to your camp, or secure something so it doesn’t budge. The options with this versatile rope are endless.

Hexamine Tablets

Hexamine tablets burn smokeless-ly, don’t liquify, and leave no trace of burning. They have a high-energy density, making them fantastic as either an emergency stove or as a supercharged fire-lighter.

Duct tape is a go-to option for when things need to be re-joined. Image: Blacksmith Camping Supplies

Tools

The next lot of items to consider are your tools. It’s important to remember that the goal is to include multi-purpose gear which can be used across a range of applications. Here’s what makes a good list:

Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool

When it comes to multi-purposeful tools, having a multi-tool on hand like the Leatherman Surge makes perfect sense. With 21 tools and a sturdy feel in the hand, it’s a good choice when tackling any adventure. There aren’t many unique tasks that this tool can’t play a solving role in.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

It’s like opening Christmas presents, as you explore all the different functions this little beauty can perform. Twenty-five altogether, in a compact 9cm body that weighs in at just 155gm. The size and weight are the winning factors for undertaking activities such as bushwalking, where it’s usually slipped into the pocket of a pair of shorts or the outside pocket of a pack. Use a lanyard to carry it in pockets, and attach that to a belt too. That way, you can’t lose the knife but can quickly retrieve it for use. The lanyard can also be easily attached to deck-lines on a kayak, for easy access.

The Leatherman Multi-Tool

A multi-tool doesn’t have as many blades or functions as a Swiss Army Knife, but nevertheless is a very functional and effective tool. Having it available on a belt all the time makes it easy to quickly and efficiently repair minor fencing issues, cut wire tangled in equipment, and unscrew things – all without ready-access to a comprehensive toolbox. There is the facility to attach a lanyard to this also – but at 13cm, it is longer than the Handyman, and heavier at 266gm too.

What is a Multi-Tool?

A multi-tool is a single piece of camping and hiking equipment that has numerous functions. It’s cleverly built around a pair of compact stainless steel pliers, with other pullout tools neatly incorporated into the design:

The pliers are either regular pliers or needle-nose pliers that are handy for tightening or loosening bolts, pulling out small nails, and bending wires. The better quality multi-tool pliers also have built-in wire cutting and wire stripping functions.
Almost every multitool has at least one sharp knife for cutting, with a safe, foldaway blade. A second serrated knife, wood saw, or metal saw are also available on selected brands.
For the handy bushman in you, another common multi-tool component is the screwdriver. Usually you’ll have both flat and Phillips head options – an important tool for those ‘fix it’ sessions on the road.
Some multi-tools also contain a file suitable for filing down timber or metal. Plus if you ever need to measure a short distance there’s often a ruler incorporated into the extended length of your multi-tool.
And where would you be without scissors to cut thin twine, fishing line, fingernails, material, paper, and plastic? Neatly cutting open packets of food rather than ripping them with your teeth – it’s so much easier when you’ve got your handy multi-tool.
Importantly, camp cooking and camp entertainment always benefit from your multi-tool’s can and bottle openers, respectively.
Some multi-tools even include an awl (or hole punch) for putting holes in tough materials like leather or thick canvas, which is useful – we just don’t know when!

How to Choose Your Multitool

Choosing the right multi-tool is a balance between:

Finding a tool with the functions you need
How compact and lightweight the tool needs to be
Durability for years of use
How safe they are to use as part of a multi-tool, and of course,
How much you’re willing to spend

Multi-tools can be an expensive purchase for young campers and, unfortunately, they’re also easy to lose. Therefore you need to weigh up the return-on-investment for your multi-tool.

Before you rush out and buy a multi-tool, write down a list of what you want your multi-tool to do. Sometimes the higher number of functions is not as important as making sure you’ve got the right tool for your intended activities.

On the flipside, you may want a multi-tool that does everything so that you’re prepared for those just-in-case moments. Find out exactly what you need and want before you purchase your new multi-tool.

What to Look For in a Multi-Tool

Safety First

If you’re going to be applying pressure when you use the individual tools, in particular the blade, look to buy a multi-tool with a tool and/or blade-only locking mechanism. This will lock the blade safely in place so it won’t close without you releasing it.

Weight and Function

Second, consider the weight of the tool and how you’ll attach it to you or your gear. Where are you going to keep your multi-tool so it’s handy to grab when you’re on the road, camping or hiking?

If it’s a small multi-tool, a simple belt clip or lanyard ring will work to attach it to you or your backpack.

However if your multi-tool is larger and heavier, then it should be sold with a protective pouch made of durable material, such as leather or nylon, to attach to your belt.

If you’re going to keep your multi-tool in the glove box and don’t require a lightweight product, you may select a heavier multi-tool with more functions and greater strength.

The weight and ‘hand feel’ of your multi-tool is also important. Sometimes the trade-off for manufacturers is decreasing the comfort of the handle. The more tools added to the design, the more likely the handle to grasp the tool is more cumbersome.

Steel Strength

Third, for strength and rust-resistance, the type of stainless steel used is important. A higher price tag for a multitool, in many cases, relates to the better quality stainless steel it’s made out of. High quality stainless steel is extremely strong and resistant to corrosion (rust), however some lower quality stainless steels can occasionally succumb to the effects of salt and moisture, as well as weaken in structure.

Functions

Lastly, look for components of a multi-tool that do more than one thing. For example, the bottle opener arm may also be a flat head screwdriver or the can opener may also be a twine cutter. This versatility lends itself to a more compact multi-tool design.

It’s like opening Christmas presents! Image: Victorinox

Swiss Army Knife Vs Multi-Tools: Pros and Cons

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

Pros

Small and lightweight
Versatile
Perfect for bushwalking and activities where weight is a criteria

Cons

Lacks robust pliers

Leatherman Multi-Tool

Pros

Versatile
Perfect for activities where a more robust tool is needed, particularly the pliers

Cons

Large and heavy
Harder to pull out the tools you need

Torch

While we’re likely to have a headlamp or lantern amongst our gear, a multi-purpose lighting back-up is never a bad thing.

Don’t waste valuable space and weight by selecting multi-purpose tools. Image: Ben Trewen

Mallet

When it comes to camping and hiking, the value of mallets surely speaks for themselves. While the pressure of your foot or the weight of a rock can often do the job, having a heavy-duty mallet on hand to put all your pegs into the ground is much easier.

The beauty of a mallet is that the peg puller at the end of the handle offers just as much help when its time to pack down and pull all the pegs out of the ground. If you’re more of the lightweight hiker type, you could consider a lightweight mallet.

Tri-Fold Shovel

Whether you’re adjusting the wood on the fire, digging up coals for your camp oven or clearing space for the bowels to open up, having a shovel is incredibly handy. Many choose to opt for adding a long-handled option to their gear kit, however you could get away with a simple tri-fold shovel in my toolbox. It’s small and compact but still gets the job done.

Hatchet

Not critical, but very useful, especially during fire season. Hatchets are great for chipping away at kindling, clearing vegetation at campsites and cutting down wood to fit. They’re also multi-purpose as you can use the other end of the head as a hammer for putting pegs into the ground.

Butane Gun

Sure, you can just use matches, but having a butane gun on hand will help to light a fire in testing conditions. Whether you’re lacking tinder or struggling with wet or windy conditions, having a steady flame can be beneficial. Butane refills are very cheap and the convenience is absolutely worth it.

Water Tank Spanner

Again, not critical but very useful – especially if you plan to carry water in reusable tanks. Having a tool to ensure your lids and bungs are screwed on tight and that your taps can be removed for transit may not seem that valuable… until your water tanks start leaking.

Spare Parts

Lastly, are the spare parts. While this list can quickly become endless, there are some common parts that are regularly sought after. Adopt this for whatever gear you carry, as you need. Don’t be afraid to add items after you’ve learnt from your mistakes… it can take breaking four buckles on a hiking pack before you start carrying a spare!

Check that you’ve added spare parts to your kit in case you get caught out mid-adventure. Image: Ben Trewen

Tent Pole Splint

The unfortunate reality is that no tentpole is indestructible and once it becomes damaged, it’s a pain to manage. Having a sleeve handy makes repairing a crack or break easy. Sleeves are usually included as a spare with your tent. Just slip it over the damage, then reinforce with your duct tape or cable ties as needed. It’s a much sturdier option than a taped pole that doesn’t have adequate support.

Spare Bungs

Be it for your esky or your water tank, having leaking fluid going everywhere is the worst! Spend a couple of dollars to ensure you’re covered just in case you lose or break your bung.

Stove Service Kit: O-Rings, Knobs, Adapters

Gas Stoves can often be fidgety pieces of gear, complete with many different parts that often need maintaining. With hiking stoves, it’s relatively easy as many come with pre-assembled repair kits.

Camping stoves are a bit trickier. A great way to try and stay on top of things is to carry correct-sized rubber O-rings for your seals, stove knobs, and gas hose adapters for use between 3/8 to POL to BOM fittings.

It never hurts to also read the manufacturer instructions, in case they make any recommendations on parts as well.

Spare Pegs

If you’ve been camping for a while, you’ll know that broken, misplaced, or un-returned tent pegs are a frequent occurrence. Having a few extras on hand can never hurt. It’s pretty easy to get your hands on heavy-duty steel pegs or lightweight alloy pegs.

Repair Buckle

While many wouldn’t even think of buckles breaking, the inconvenience when they do can be pretty frustrating. Whether it be in your tent, backpack, or awning – buckles play a part in the setting up of many pieces of gear.

All it takes is for that misplaced footstep along with some pressure – and the next thing you know, the buckle is crushed!

Do you have anything else you take along in your toolkit when you head out on an adventure? Let us know in the comments.

The post How to Build a Camping Toolkit appeared first on Snowys Blog.

A Snowy(s) Christmas: Gift Guide 2023

Snowys Staff — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:31:24 +0000

Like losing a tent peg in long grass or detangling a guy rope from your gear bag – Christmas shopping can be a little tedious.

So in this blog, we’ve made our list, checked it twice, and tagged every item with a competitive price! From Kris Kringle gifts with a $20 limit, to the bigger gifts you’ve been saving to splurge on – start filling the sack with the gear, gadgets, and rugged gifts for the outdoorsy people you love!

The range of hats from Sunday Afternoons are as cool as the new kids on the (sun)block! Image: Sunday Afternoons

For the Kids Who Kick Back

Under $50

Sunday Afternoons Hats: Up to $26.94

As cool as the new kids on the (sun)block, the range of hats by Sunday Afternoons feature wide brims and polyester-nylon constructions to wicks away moisture. Stain-resistant for those fun-filled days running amuck, they beat the grub and grime like water off a duck’s back!

Keep the little ones from getting too hotheaded, owing to a certified UPF 50+ sun rating too. Plus, thanks to reversible designs for sun-safe versatility, and breakaway chinstraps that release under pressure – your kid can keep their chin up until sundown.

For the kids who like to kick about at the shack, stuff their stockings with compactly-packed Sunday Afternoons hat!

OZtrail Junior Moon Chair: $40.40

A crevice for your camp critters, the Moon Junior Chair is designed for children’s safety.

Its easy Grab and Go straps allow the gremlins to go, go, go – while the drink bottle holder allows easy-reach refreshment. With wide arms for supplementary support and a locking pin to prevent unplanned folding up, the OZtrail Moon Junior Chair offers a considered yet comfortable cranny for curling up.

Keep the little ones from getting too hotheaded, owing to a certified UPF 50+ sun rating. Image: Sunday Afternoons

For the Campfire Feasters and Heat-and-Eaters

Under $100

Offgrid Provisions Meals: Up to $18.99

Forget wrapping paper – rip open a bag of getaway grub from Offgrid!

Founder James Viles had a hunger to discover the undiscovered, but a desire to do so in a slow, simplified way to appreciate time spent outdoors. With refined ingredients, he redefined food the alfresco way – connecting people, food, and nature with the Offgrid Provisions range.

Made for the meat-eaters and vege venturers who want to lift their degustation game, these meals are all-natural, Aussie-made, and designed to heat and eat for simple, alfresco-style sustenance! Be you crouched at the campfire or behind the kitchen bench – simply drop into boiling water for five minutes, or tear at the top and microwave like the most full-bodied, flavoursome Christmas stocking on the fireplace.

Simply drop into boiling water for five minutes, or tear at the top and microwave. Image: Offgrid Provisions

‘Fire to Fork’ Cookbook: $35.90

In his popular campfire cookbook, YouTube legend and resident king of campfire cooking, Harry Fisher from Fire To Fork, maintains a focus on simple meals made over a fire with high-quality ingredients.

From holidaying on the beaches in the Kimberley to homestyle cooking in your own backyard, the book features over 60 recipes, including some from his most popular YouTube videos. Plus, benefit from information on the tools needed for your camp kitchen, how to prepare your fire, and advice for stocking your on-the-road pantry!

In his popular campfire cookbook, YouTube legend Harry Fisher maintains a focus on simple meals made over a fire. Image: Harry Fisher

CampBoss Jaffle Iron: $44.90

It’s time to officially take care of the suppertime snacking, with the CampBoss Jaffle Iron!

From the long arms for safety from campfire flames, to the timber handles for limited heat transfer – this jaffle iron harnesses the heat and beats the burn! Be it Bolognese, baked beans, and savoury combos, or chocka-block sweet concoctions – simply line the crater with two slices of bread or pastry, and fill with desired ingredients for the ultimate hot food pocket or campfire pie.

Take the colour, craft, and convenience of cooking from the backyard to the outback!

Campfire Combo Camp Oven: $89.90

Crank the heat, because Campfire’s Combo Camp Oven is tougher than damper crust.

Boasting a top-quality cast-iron construction for impressive durability and longevity, a deep-dish dome design, and a shallow, heavy-duty base for even heat distribution – this oven offers versatility on every cooking adventure. Pre-seasoned too, carry from under the Christmas tree to the campfire coals for immediate use.

From casseroles and bakes to dessert damper and cakes, the Combo Camp Oven cooks your camp tucker with alfresco finesse!

Love cooking with a camp oven? Check out Cam’s Camp Oven Turducken & Gravy!

For the After-Dark Dabblers

Under $100

XTM Performance Cora Headband: $5.00

Speaking of wrapping presents – wrap your head around the Cora Headband.

Your headwear henchman for keeping the heat in, its supple chenille construction and fleece lining keeps cold weather off your mind. Kick it to the peak in chic cable knit, and rock across the mountain top with stylish metal branding. As a certified carbon neutral product too, it’s the eco-friendly thought that counts.

MPOWERD Luci Lanterns Range: Up to $69.90

The Luci range from MPOWERD provides practical and ambient lighting for your alfresco space. Solar powered with the option of a traditional outlet for convenience, some host a USB port to boost the charge of your mobile phone when other power sources are scarce. From sufficient charging in direct sunlight, to water-resistance, battery indicators, and long-lasting light – the outdoor lanterns are fit for both indoor and outdoor activities, while string lights blend convenience and atmosphere to any communal setting.

Boasting low, medium, and high mode options for different applications, the Luci lanterns and string lights offer illuminated ambience from the backyard to the outback.

The Solar String Lights by MPOWERD provide practical and ambient lighting for your alfresco space. Image: MPOWERD

Coleman Hybrid Hooded Sleeping Bags: Up to $55

The Hybrid Hooded sleeping bags by Coleman keep you snug on those sub-10 and sub-0-degree getaways! Featuring a Comfort Cuff design for surrounding softness, this bag boasts homelike qualities. A snag-free ZipPlow zipper allows for safe, easy opening and closing too, while the separate foot zip mediates the temperature surrounding your extremities. Plus, for a streamlined packing process too, Roll Control prevents the bag from skewing and twisting – working with the QuickCord no-tie closure for efficient fastening.

Bag a bargain with the Hybrid Hooded sleeping bags – designed for sublime outdoor dreaming in colder conditions.

Eat with elegance on every alfresco escape. Image: Opinel

For the Compact Campers

Under $150

Opinel Nomad Cooking Kit: $98.89

From hiking and camping, to boating and picnicking – this slick set includes a quality-made N°12 folding knife with a serrated blade for bread, a N°10 folding corkscrew knife for opening wine, a N°06 pocket peeler for fruit and veg prep, a beechwood cutting board for carving meat, and a microfibre dish towel that doubles as a travel pouch.

With handles of a durable beech wood and stainless-steel blades for robustness, their safety rings lock them both open in use and closed for transport.

Eat with elegance on every alfresco escape, with the Opinel Nomad Cooking Kit.

Perfect for the go-getters jetting off on their next getaway. Image: Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek Pack-It Sets: Up to $99.99

From sending it every weekend to catering for the over-packers on the overnighters – the Pack-It sets by Eagle Creek include the Weekender, Overnight, Starter, and Reveal Cubes for curbing the packing chaos!

Boasting 300D Polyester fabric constructions and 100% post-consumer recycled fabric for their washable and water-resistant features, each component is as efficient to clean as they are to use! Keep the socks, jocks, and pyjamas maintained, the dirty boots and dusty shoes away from your cleaner clobber, your toiletries together, and minimise wrinkles in one neat, intact, compactly packed package!

These Pack-It sets are perfect for the go-getters jetting off on their next getaway.

BlackWolf Quick Fold Lightweight Chair: $149.90

From picnics to camping trips, and sports events to festivals, this chair takes a front-row seat!

Blending stability with portability, its lightweight but tough aluminium tube frame is both scratch- and rust-resistant. Sink into true serenity with a 900D polyester and HD mesh fabric that tensions as the legs are extended, with a slightly back-leaned seat posture too. Quick to assemble and fast to fold away, its average setup time is 4-8 seconds!

This holiday season, the BlackWolf Quick Fold Lightweight Chair is the perfect chair for your festive derriere!

The range of tie-down packs by Tiegear guarantee flexible strength and robust reliability. Image: Tiegear

For the Gear Gurus Who’ve Got it Together

Under $250

Tiegear Packs: Up to $249.95

We all know the five senses are sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch – but for campers, the sixth sense is security! The range of tie-down packs by Tiegear guarantee flexible strength and robust reliability at the site, without the need for pegs.

With packs equipped to secure caravan setups, awnings, and gazebos, Tiegear bundle their guy ropes and HD springs into an acrylic canvas and mesh gear bag for kick-butt durability, breathability, and compact storage in the back of your vehicle.

Simple, functional, and Aussie-made. Image: Blacksmith Camping Supplies

BS Aussie Made Peg and Tool Bag (with Handles): $34.90

Store the essential tools and steel pegs in the Australian-Made Peg & Tool Bag from Blacksmith Camping Supplies.

Constructed from military-grade 505gsm Australian-made canvas – Dynaproofed for rotproofing and breathability – its interior capacity has space for camping tools and up to 35 x of separately available Hex Pegs. The Velcro opening secures it shut, while webbing handles offer ease of carrying or grabbing from the boot.

Simple, functional, and Aussie-made – cart about your camping accessories with ease and efficiency.

There’s a cold one for the whole crew. Image: Camelbak

For the Cool, Calm, Can Collectors

Under $500

Coleman 16-Can Soft Cooler: $24.90

Catering for the campsite parties and backyard barbies, this cooler boasts an odour- and stain-resistant make – as easy to keep clean as it is to keep your cold ones crisp! With a front pocket for the bottle openers and other campsite knick-knacks, a zip-top closure also offers easy access to your refreshment while the lid’s bungee cord straps in a picnic blanket for those drawn-out hangouts on the lawn.

Keep your cool and kick on this summer!

Camelbak Chillbak Cooler Packs: Up to $449

The Camelbak Chillbak 30 and Chillbak Cube 18 are the coolest can-keepers at the campsite! There’s a cold one for the whole crew, owing to their 24- and 16-can respective capacities, with a padded back panel and shoulder straps for breathability and protection. A hose with spigot is accessible from the exterior for easy, efficient refills, while a waistbelt ensures a secure fit. Kit out your pack with tools, fix-it kits, and essentials thanks to additional storage above the cooler in the roll-top area too!

Keep cool and carry on this Christmas, with Chillbak cooler packs!

Image: Campfire

For more gift ideas, follow us somewhere Snowy-er than the North Pole…

The post A Snowy(s) Christmas: Gift Guide 2023 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep114 – Roof Top Tents with Dave & Jacob from Snowys Brendale

Ben and Lauren — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 02:22:35 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

A true sanctuary under the stars, the roof top tent quite literally elevates any camp setup.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren call on the RTT experts to expand on everything from the racks to the roof! Dialling in from arguably the largest roof top tent display in Australia, Dave and Jacob from the Snowys store in Brendale touch on the styles, systems, setup versatility, and vehicle suitability of those cabins in the clouds raising expectations across the country!

A true sanctuary under the stars, the roof top tent quite literally elevates any camp setup. Image: Darche

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brands:

Products:

Darche Ridgeback range

23ZERO Saber range

Hard Korr Dual-Lift Hard Shell range

CampBoss Boss Shadow 270 XL Awning with RTT Zip Entry

OZtrail Overlander range

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:55 – Introducing Dave & Jacob from Snowys Brendale

02:53 – Dave & Jacob’s Camping Setup

03:48 – Brendale’s Roof Top Tent Display

04:31 – Why a Roof Top Tent?

06:58 – Pros and Cons of Hard-Shell and Soft-Shell

08:43 – Aerodynamics

09:44 – Roof Rails

10:26 – Dave’s Hard-Shell Vs Soft-Shell

11:08 – Packing Down with Bedding

12:53 – Brands of Roof Top Tents at Snowys

13:52 – Vehicle Suitability

17:06 – Mounting a Roof Top Tent

18:28 – Managing GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)

22:01 – Installing a Roof Top Tent

23:04 – Roof Rack and Rail Systems

26:18 – Different Styles for Different Setups

28:56 – Independent Tent Capacity and Weight Limit

30:49 – Mattresses

32:18 – Check Out Brendale’s Roof Top Tent Display!

33:37 – Summary

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next fortnight’s episode!

If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.

Catch you out there!

The post Ep114 – Roof Top Tents with Dave & Jacob from Snowys Brendale appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Campsite Q&A’s (Part 2)

Ben and Lauren — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 01:22:37 +0000

To the caravanners stuck off-track without a plug for their tyre puncture, the light sleepers who’ve woken to their backbone cold and flat against the floor through a deflated mat, and the adventurers scanning shelves, sites, and profiles for potential gear upgrades…

We see you. We hear you.

As heard in Episodes 65 and 66 of the Snowys Camping Show, your trusted Snowys gear experts Ben and Lauren answer more of your campsite questions in the second and final part of our Campsite Q&A’s blog series.

Your trusted Snowys gear experts Ben and Lauren answer more of your campsite questions. Image: Coleman

Gear and Maintenance

Essentials for Beach Camping, and Tips for Keeping the Sand out of the Swag / Tent?

To first address sand, Ben and Lauren recommend a mesh ground sheet which, while expensive, is worth the investment. Double-layered, the mesh allows for any sand on top to fall through without resurfacing, ensuring a sand-free environment. These ground sheets were initially invented as portable helipads, designed to be positioned on loose desert surfaces to prevent sand from blowing and flicking upwards as the helicopter lands. OZtrail manufacture a less expensive model, which still adequately serves the same purpose.

Lauren also recommends EVA foam floor mats at the doorway, and a dustpan and brush to sweep away sand from legs and feet. A Muk Mat – a large, well-finished slab of Astro Turf – works wonders in sandy, beachy environments too. Lauren also suggests washing away the grit and debris in a tub of water, large enough for someone to stand in. Ultimately, allocating a ‘zone’ nearby your setup to clean away sand before entering the living area is the suggested approach. Sand in a tent and living space is often only a problem if we allow for it to build up – so control it from the beginning!

Broadly speaking, beach camping also requires some sort of wind management. That said, setting up a wind break in sandy environments can encourage sand to whip upwards in a whirlwind. To control this, Ben and Lauren recommend choosing tents with fine mesh, and sealing windows and openings during the day to prevent sand from making its way into bedding.

Lastly, adequate sand pegs and guy ropes are paramount when beach camping, as well as trace springs for added stability in windier conditions.

Securing Food from Pests?

…Try literally anything.

In a previous podcast episode, Ben and Lauren detail how to manage critters and pests at the campsite.

Ultimately, they recommend Tupperware that seals tight. Ben is content with leaving unopened food packets in a tub with the lid sitting on top. On the other hand, opened packets should be kept in an airtight container to prevent ants from making their way in.

In Ep53 – Kangaroo Island, Lauren describes the relentless possum raids as a result of leaving her doors open at night. Generally though, she manages well by keeping her food in storage draws under the bed and recommends solid plastic tubs. Even for a grain of rice, mice will chew through soft silicon and thin plastics, so be aware of the quality of your storage options too. Again, Ben can advocate for this in Ep44 – Ben’s Half Lap, where he resorts to creating a trash contraption mouse trap to catch a critter than chewed its way into his 4WD!

For the unique nomads who hoped for more than just ‘use good storage containers’ – ever tried suspending your food from a tree using squat straps? Learn more about this in Ep57 and Ep96 on Weird and Wonderful Camping Gear!

Can you repair a sleeping mat if it leaks at the seams or valves – and if so, how?

Ben and Lauren have recorded a video that lives on the Snowys YouTube channel, elaborating on material relevant to this question – though not in detail.

Usually, only a leak via a seam or valve is guaranteed under warranty. This is because inconsistencies or fissures at these points are more than likely attributed to manufacturing faults. Ben and Lauren recommend getting in touch with the retailer of your defective sleeping mat to receive a warranty assessment.

While not the prettiest fix, Ben suggests Stormsure adhesive or seam grip glue to mend your mat DIY-style. Specifically, heavily smother the hole before spreading the glue at length along each side to create a seal. For an even stronger hold, apply the glue to a nylon ripstop-type material (from a place like Spotlight), as a foundation. This works particularly well with longer tears; Ben recommends incorporating fabric or gauze in and amongst the glue by placing a large strip over the top of the gash. When stretched, the fabric separates – but the seam grip covers it.

Personal camping essentials, upgrades, original gear, current gear, and reasons behind any alterations?

Before we unpack this question – yes, Ben. We get it. You love your coffee kit bag.

As much as this is true, Ben points out that he considers ‘personal camping essentials’ the items that mostly sit beneath the ‘hygiene’ and ‘medication’ umbrella. Lauren rarely washes her hair on a camping trip, instead relying on Sea to Summit’s Wilderness Wash as both soap and body wash. Other essentials include her quality base layers and socks, sheep skins to drape over her camp chairs for warmth, Crocs (which she insists are the most bomb-proof, ideal footwear to slip on and off around the campsite), a head torch, and a bird book with binoculars to watch and learn of the pretty birdlife that often surrounds her on her travels.

On the other hand, Ben reveals the gear he’s replaced over the years. He now avoids rounder table lanterns and instead opts for 12V LED strips or hanging lights, having decided that they light his table setup more effectively. As well as lighting, Ben has reconsidered how he operates his stove, now opting for multi-fuel over gas. Unlike large, heavy gas bottles, multi-fuel systems are easy to transport and assemble, eliminating the need for hoses and other accessories. While it may take longer, Ben confirms that this is the trade-off he’s willing to sacrifice. His cast iron camp oven – whilst a favourite – is also soon to be replaced by one of spun steel for both weight and portability reasons. Lastly, he’s removed his awning from his 4WD. This was after deciding it was too tedious to set up and take down on trips where he was driving more frequently than he was pulling over. It now sits in his shed at home… and he doesn’t miss it!

Ben now avoids table lanterns and instead opts for 12V lighting. Image: Hard Korr

Lauren hears of new and improved gear through the grapevine from as often as monthly to even weekly. For this reason, her setup reflects constant evolution as opposed to a ‘before and after’ project. An example of this is her transition from a Waeco 45-litre fridge to a myCOOLMAN dual zone 85-litre fridge, after discovering more room in her van to store it. Now in the process of fitting out their camper van, she reflects on why she didn’t consider two drawer fridges to stack on top of one another – an arrangement she’s keen to progress to when the vehicle renovations are done. The drawer fridges she’s interested in are 10 centimetres wider than the current fridge, but are stackable and each capable of running as either a fridge or freezer.
Overall, settling on a sprinter van instead of a 4WD or caravan – as much as Lauren and her partner love it – has its limitations. Lacking features such as 4WD access or adequate clearance can sometimes be more significant issues than not, especially when she plans to go far beyond her backyard and get wild! As a result, Lauren finds herself wondering what she may opt for further down the line, and what differences it will pose regarding setup. Better or worse – at the end of the day, the grass will always seem greener.

Advice on Tent Security (and Storing Spare Keys)?

The simple answer is: don’t keep your keys in your tent.

With his minimalist setup, Ben has spent many camping trips probably appearing as one of the less wealthy campers at the campsite – which likely explains why he’s yet to be robbed! In some ways, locking everything away can suggest that you have something to steal.

An effortless solution is to not store valuables inside the tent, where Ben tends to only leave his bedding. While there’s always a chance, the likelihood that his sleeping bag will be stolen is relatively low, with fewer repercussions if it was over his wallet or phone.

As for Lauren, theft has never been on her radar. In her experience, there’s an unspoken rule in the camping community to not steal from other setups. Ben admits that National Park spaces are relatively theft-free, though some caravan parks in particular are more prone to it. This is often not as malicious as it is purely opportunistic; young, ratbag kids are usually just out for a thrill, looking to snatch up some loose change or something valuable. This is often the case in most areas alike.

Ultimately, the chance of theft at a campground depends on its location. To address any concerns you may have, simply lock your vehicle and avoid leaving loose change or valuables in exposed places. For instance: at night, Ben tends to store his car keys in the small internal tent pocket just above his head.

Gazebos – Necessary Additional Family Shelter, or Storage Space Waster?

The short answer? It depends on who you are, the storage space you have, and the nature of your desired setup.

For a more detailed response, Ben and Lauren cover relevant information extensively in Ep7 – Gear You Don’t Need for Camping and Ep59 – Shelters for Rainy Days.

What is Safer: to Keep Your Lithium Battery (Plugged Into Solar Panels and a Fridge) in a 6 x 4 Trailer, a Tent, or on a Blanket on the Ground?

If the battery is lithium, it’s generally safe either way.

On the other hand, other lead acid batteries (including sealed) emit hydrogen and generally don’t operate well in extreme temperatures, so best kept in a ventilated space. Keeping it by your fridge shouldn’t be a concern in this regard, as the fridge itself also requires adequate aeration due to its compressor.

Albeit, Ben and Lauren aren’t experts on batteries. Initially, they suggest using common sense; keeping a hot battery close beside you within a tent isn’t ideal! Those who are still unsure should note the warnings in the instruction manual of their respective power station (for instance, the Companion Lithium Rover), or talk to the experts (e.g. Battery World).

Items you Thought Would be Useless but Were Useful, and Vice-Versa?

For Ben, he never expected to need a paintbrush on a road trip – but has found it useful in sweeping away dust and debris from his car or tent interior, especially in outback travelling!

On the other hand, the few opportunities he’s found to use his awning don’t warrant transporting it about as often as he once did. For this reason, it now lives packed away in his shed indefinitely. As well as this, he’s allocated his ‘Grandpa Fork’ to the box of untouched tackle. The tool is simply a fork-like piece that attaches to the end of a stick, designed for toasting marshmallows. While Lauren thinks they’re a nifty invention, Ben would rather just use a stick…

For Lauren, her set of four collapsible tubs are the most unexpectedly delightful addition to her camp clobber. She uses them regularly, and plans to soon purchase another set.

As for the presumably great gadgets that have turned out to be sub-par, she keeps a large collection of items alike in her shed which simply haven’t suited her setup as much as she initially thought. At this stage, nothing in particular springs to mind – but keep an eye out on the Snowys Camping Show Facebook group while she sets this question aside to marinate…

Ben finds he doesn’t use his awning enough to warrant transporting it around as often as he does. Image: Darche

Camping, Caravanning, and 4WDing

Funniest Camp Fail?

… On par with Ben’s ‘green ant’ story, as told in Episode 44? Lauren may just match it.

There’s a place she and her family love to go, the track to which is recommended for 4WDs only – especially when wet. That said, Lauren claims her Sprinter van can tackle more than one may think… but in this instance, these were her famous last words.

Lauren and her family were due to meet with another two groups. Given the substantial room in her vehicle compared to others, she was transporting enough gear for six people – plus more to lessen the load for other families. This added significantly more weight to the van… which didn’t bode well on the track after recent rainfall. When they approached the track, it was a slurry of cold, grey mud. By the time they realised it wasn’t a good idea to proceed, it was too late to turn back!

Initially, they were hopeful… before the van began to slip and slide perilously in the sludge. Eventually, they were left steadfast in sticky mud, stranded in the middle of the Riverland. The sun had set; it was 9:30pm. Lauren directed the kids to toddle off into the inky blackness with a torch to find help, while she and her partner began the exhaustive process of attempting to nudge the van, stubbornly wedged in the thick mud.

After some time, their friend arrived, and together they discovered the root of the problem; the vehicle’s diff was lodged firmly into a large lump of clay. To first alleviate some of the weight, Lauren had the kids carrying camp clobber from the van to the campsite, piece by piece like a row of ants. Next, her partner stripped down to only his shorts and primely positioned himself well underneath the van. The track soon became a mucky mess of footprints as Lauren’s family gathered sticks, logs, and debris to dig away at the diff buried deep in the sludge.

Time moved fast – but the van remained resolute. By midnight, Lauren and her crew attempted one last tactic. After removing the wheel, they packed in the space underneath with sticks and bark, inserted the jack, and pushed as hard as they could while one of them took the driver’s seat. Eventually, Lauren and her family were a wholesome blend of filthy, relieved – and with a vehicle in motion!

For a camp fail equally as chaotic involving a snake, a floating tent, and a mass of green ants – check out Ep44 – Ben’s Half Lap.

Practicality of Extended Overland Trips in an SUV/Wagon/Car, Versus the More Built-Out 4WDs/RVs/Camper Vans/Caravans?

The key consideration that distinguishes one from the other is preparation. Travelling in a 4WD, RV, or camping vehicle requires less given that, in many ways, they already account for half of your setup. With an SUV or smaller vehicle, space is more limited.

As much as it bodes well to first do your research before purchasing a more built-out camper van, don’t let your current wagon or car be a roadblock to hitting the road and seeing the sights. While it may not be wise to travel through the Bungle Bungles in a Sedan, there is still so much to see and do in the great outdoors without a 4WD setup.

Do Either of you Own a Camper Trailer or a Caravan? What are Your Hacks?

Ben and Lauren do not – but Snowys’ resident caravanning expert, Kevin, certainly does!

Kevin has frequently featured in episodes of the Snowys Camping Show, such as Caravan Water Tanks 101, Caravan Refrigeration, and Caravanning the Oodnadatta Track. Given how many caravanning hacks there are, Ben and Lauren suggest advising us of any specifics for Kevin to address from his fountain of knowledge.

Travelling in a 4WD requires less preparation given that, in many ways, they already account for half of your setup! Image: Darche

What are the essential spare items that Kev would take for extended caravan travelling, off-road?

We’ve addressed this in detail in Episode 68 with our caravanning expert, Kev.

While the list extends further, and excludes the various considerations and details depending on the off-road situation – Kev recommends the following as a guide:

A standard toolkit
Wheel bearings
A hub seal
Irrigation joiners, straights, and elbows etc. for the hoses and connectors beneath the van
Two spare wheels, as well as plugs for any minor punctures
Turn buckles and chains to secure broken springs and axels (this becomes complicated, and depends on the situation!)
A roll of duct tape, insulation tape, and wire
Replacement fuses to suit those existing in your car or caravan
So much more!

Food

Favourite Meal to Cook When Camping / Meal Ideas?

Ben and Lauren elaborate on relevant information throughout both Ep2 – Tips for Keeping Camping Food Fresh, Ep13 – Camping on a Budget, and Ep27 – Camp Kitchen Es s entials.

In addition to this specific content, Lauren confirms that her favourite camping food – especially in Winter – is a cooked brekky. For her, nothing beats smoky bacon, eggs, and charred toast by the campfire coals first thing in the morning!

On the other hand, Ben tends to cook modified versions of the meals he eats at home. For example, when cooking a pasta at the campsite that would usually include fresh tomatoes, he’d add tinned instead.

Another winner for Ben is damper. A doughy, buttery, body-bolstering blend of simple and versatile – damper requires only staple ingredients, elevated even more with bits and pieces of sweet or savoury. By the same token, a jaffle iron is one of Ben’s favourite appliances at the campsite. As well as cooking mini dampers, Ben uses his iron by pressing dough into the moulds, filling it with either baked beans, chocolate, or other fillings of choice, and toasting to create little dough pouches for his kids to carry around camp.

In the meantime, she suggests preparing as much food in advance as possible. This includes pre-chopping vegetables, and pre-cooking meals to then vacuum-seal and re-heat in boiling water at the campsite. Storing pre-cooked rice and chopped vegetables such as onion, pumpkin, or carrots in vac-sealed bags also keeps food fresh and maintained.

In Lauren’s experience, meal-prepping for only herself and her partner versus her entire family are two very different processes. So again – watch this space for more content specific to this aspect of adventuring!

What are the recommended meal and preparation ideas for camping, specifically for stove cooking?

For a little while, Lauren has been keen to produce an episode purely centred around campsite meals. In it, she’d aim to cover meal planning, preparation, and cooking for camping.

In a previous episode with Dr. Kate Grarock, ‘Food for Adventure’, Ben and Lauren kept the content hiking-focused. Episodes alike include ‘Food for Hiking‘, as well as content that explores camp kitchen essentials and how to keep food fresh. Considering this, Lauren has identified the absence of an episode solely dedicated to recipes and meal ideas.

Fridges

Use-case tips on Dometic icebox sizes – including packing standard-sized items to assess how they fit, and how to subsequently determine a suitable size?

This has been an angle on iceboxes from which both Ben and Lauren have wanted to approach for a little while. In a previous podcast episode, ‘Fridges Vs Iceboxes’, they discuss the pros and cons of each and consequently which option is more suited to various setups.

For now, our gear gurus confirm that it depends on the purpose for which your icebox is being used; be that solely cooling, or in conjunction with a fridge. Granted, a YouTube video on our channel may be the perfect way to further elaborate on this question and demonstrate visually… so for the last time, watch this space!

In a previous podcast episode, Ben and Lauren discuss the pros and cons of both iceboxes and fridges. Image: Dometic

OK, now let’s be real for a second…

Will Snowys ever open a store in Victoria or Sydney?

Unfortunately, this isn’t on the radar. Ben says that Snowys aim to continue to focus on what they do well, as opposed to expanding and subsequently increasing the prices of products. That said – never say never!

Nonetheless, this isn’t a conversation Lauren and Ben are ultimately involved in, instead determined by a higher level of authority.

Do you two each have an Instagram account, so we can see your setups as well?

The short answer is: not really.

Why? Lauren’s answer for Ben is simple: he’s ‘lame’!

Ben’s explanation for his lack of internet sharing is a little more sentimental; when he’s on holiday, he unplugs almost entirely. Instead of watching the number of views rise on his Instagram stories, he watches the view of the sunrise instead. While some reach the end of a demanding day outdoors and choose to take the time to share photos with their family via WhatsApp, Ben watches the sun set instead. On his half-lap across the Northern Territory and Western Australia, Ben became so emersed in his surroundings that his wife would update his family for him!

Nonetheless, Ben and Lauren admit that they reference their own setups a lot throughout their Snowys podcasts and content. Those who listen to the Snowys Camping Show podcast have insight into Ben and Lauren’s identities in a work-based capacity, with little reference to their personal life.

Lauren has a personal Instagram account that she rarely uses, but has considered creating one that is more relevant to her camping life for public observation. Where she’ll continue to ponder the idea, Ben is certain that a personal account will be disappointing for his followers due to the simplicity of his setup!

More questions? Hit us up! Image: Sea to Summit

Got a question for Ben and Lauren? Check out Episodes 23, 30, 48, 65, 66, and 92 of the Snowys Camping Show to hear whether it’s already been answered!

The post Campsite Q&A’s (Part 2) appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Camping with Kids at Bunya Mountains

Sabrina Bate — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:16:17 +0000

Bunya Mountains National Park was declared a National Park in 1908, making it the second oldest in Queensland. It is located approximately three hours North-West of Brisbane, or 1.5 hours North of Toowoomba. At around 1000 metres above sea level, it is famous for its Bunya Pines – known to have the largest population in the world!

It is estimated that some of the Bunya Pines are up to 600 years old. They grow cone-shaped nuts, which can grow bigger than coconuts. Inside the Bunya cone are smaller, edible nuts which taste similar to pine nuts. Bunya cones do fall (just like coconuts, but bigger) – so be careful when you are walking through the rainforest! They are known to fall mainly between December and March.

Follow Sabrina on her family-friendly adventure to Bunya Mountains! Pictured: the beginning of the Westcliff Lookout

Bunya Mountain also has an abundance of wildlife. During our four-day visit we ended up seeing lots of wallabies, a satin bowerbird and its nest (where it collected lots of blue objects), male and female king parrots, crimson rosellas, kookaburras and sulphur-crested cockatoos, two pythons, lots of blue fairy wrens, and even a bandicoot at night! We also saw (and heard!) a green catbird, which has a very distinctive sound – like a screeching cat! People have also seen koalas and echidnas here too.

Bunya trees near the cafe at Dandabah

Dandabah. Left to right: the tavern, walking tacks, and the cafe

It can get quite chilly during the evenings – and in October, the temperature dropped to single digits at night (around 8-9 degrees). During the day, it was fairly hot (up to 25-30 degrees). For this reason, I would recommend checking the temperature when you plan to go, so you are well equipped!

Walking with the carrier

A Blue Fairy Wren

A cockatoo

This carpet python was 4 metres long!

Our favourite activity at Bunya Mountain was exploring the rainforest and heading off on many walks. This is a great place for walking, as it’s well-shaded – especially the tracks starting a Dandabah, e.g. Barker Creek circuit, and those going to Festoon Falls, Paradise Falls, and Little Falls. Some of the walks we completed (with two kids!) were:

Dandabah campground to Paradise parking area, and back: approx. 6km
Dandabah to Festoon Falls, and back: approx. 1.5km
If you want to do a longer walk, you can do the Scenic circuit. This is a 4km loop track, starting and ending at Dandabah. The Scenic circuit includes Festoon Falls, as well as Pine Gorge Lookout.
Paradise carpark to Little Falls via Paradise Falls, and back: approx. 1.8km
This is a beautiful walk with some elevation. The track can become narrow (single-file) at some points.
Paradise carpark to Westcliff Lookout: approx. 3km return
This is a nice walk, recommended when the sun isn’t out in full force as it can become quite sunny at some points. Along the way, you will find many prickly pear cacti and other plants – a contrast to the lush, green rainforest found around Dandabah. The Westcliff Lookout is beautiful; you can see the surrounding farm area. There’s a bench where you can sit and enjoy the view too.

Exploring the walking tracks

The beautiful flora

Exploring the walking tracks

The lush, green rainforest

For the more adventurous, I would recommend the circuit track: Barker Creek circuit, which is 10km return from Dandabah. By doing the circuit track, you will go via Barker Creek lookout, Big Falls Lookout, Big Falls, Little Falls, and Paradise Falls. Another option (if you have two cars) is to park one car at Burtons Well and the other car at Paradise car park.
From Paradise car park to Burstons, it is approximately 14km. You’ll go via Westcliff Lookout, Koondaii Lookout, Cherry Plain Lookout, Bottle Tree Bluff, and Ghinghion Lookout!

Another highlight of Bunya Mountain is the affordability of camping. As it is managed by the Queensland Government, camping prices are subsided and made affordable, compared to many other campgrounds. Currently, at the time of writing this article, the price of an adult per night is $7.25, while family rates can be found on the Queensland Parks website. I would recommend booking well in advance (we booked approximately 6 months ahead).

Our camp setup at the Dandabah campground

Our camp setup, with Bunya trees nearby

You can choose from three camping areas, namely: Dandabah, Burtons Well, and Westcot campground. These are non-powered, as are all campgrounds managed by the Queensland Parks. We chose to stay at Dandabah, as it is in a more established area with a nearby Tavern and café, a small visitor information centre, other accommodation options, and activities such as novelty horse-drawn tours. There were hot showers and flush toilets available too. There is water, but untreated – so we brought our own from home.

Finally, last but not least – another favourite moment was seeing the beautiful night sky. Living in Brisbane, it is rare to see hundreds of stars at night! We had a lot of fun trying to work out the star constellations and spotting satellites.

On our way to Festoon Falls!

Watching the water at Little Falls

Little Falls

The Bunya Mountains National Park is a must-do trip! It is family-friendly, and both walking and camping is very achievable with kids!

If you have any questions around camping with young children (two under 4 years old) please leave a comment!

The post Camping with Kids at Bunya Mountains appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Guide to Choosing the Right Size Groundsheet

Ben Trewren — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 04:41:55 +0000

So. You’ve just made a sizeable investment in a quality swag or tent, and you’re looking for ways to ensure it stays cared for and protected for as long as possible?

The first thing you should consider is a groundsheet – sometimes also referred to as a footprint, ground tarp, or floor saver. Call them what you will, but regardless they’re a crucial piece of camping kit. For the sake of this blog, we’ll call them groundsheets.

Groundsheets exist to protect the floor of your tent against everything that nature throws at it – from the ground up! An insurance policy, if you will. You’re much better off financially to replace a groundsheet every so often than your entire Black Wolf Turbo or MSR Hubba Hubba!

They’re often not as cheap as you’d hope – but it certainly does soothe the frustration when faced with damage, in that you only need to replace the groundsheet as opposed to the entire tent or swag.

Groundsheets can do a whole lot more than just protecting the underside of your tent or swag. Image: Oztent

Benefits of a Groundsheet

Groundsheets also assist with waterproofing your tent or swag floor, act as a barrier in wet conditions, preserve the vegetation underneath your swag or tent, act as a wind or weather break, help to prevent condensation, and offer an emergency shelter when needed.

There are many benefits to owning a groundsheet. Image: Coleman

Regulations of Groundsheets

Believe it or not, there are some rules around the use of groundsheets – especially in privately operated caravan parks.

The most common is that groundsheets in some camping and caravan parks can only be made of open-weave shade cloth fabric. This is to allow the grass to breathe and minimise damage. No one enjoys a dusty campsite, and grass does require some upkeep to be maintained.

Some caravan and camping parks are now also asking that you lift or even move your groundsheets (as well as the tent or swag) at frequent intervals, to help maintain the health of the grass.

Mesh groundsheets will be necessary for some places to protect the grass. Image: Black Wolf

Options:

Made-to-Fit

These are groundsheets designed by manufacturers to specifically fit under their compatible tents. In most instances, the groundsheet also fits underneath the awning. Usually made with mesh fabric, some are still only available in solid fabric.

The major benefit here is that you can purchase with confidence, assured of a perfect fit without hassle.

Some of the tents in the current range at Snowys have made-to-fit groundsheets available separately include:

The Oztent RV1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are models that have made to fit groundsheets available. Image: Oztent

Mesh Style

These groundsheets aren’t made to fit, but rather available in a variety of sizes. This can be a challenge in establishing what groundsheet fits, but also provides some freedom to set it up as you wish.

Made from a heavier-duty shade cloth material, the major benefit to this design is that it allows the grass underneath to breathe, while also allowing moisture, dirt, and debris to fall through. This ensures that the groundsheet won’t start pooling if it rains. They’re also comfortable to walk on.

The only real challenges with these styles are that they aren’t as durable as solid fabrics, a little more expensive, and can be hard to clean.

Currently, there are 3 mesh options available in a range of sizes:

A durable and almost indestructible C-Gear Multimat
The popular and affordable Oztrail Ultramesh option
The versatile and tougher-than-turf L-Shaped Multimat by C-Gear

These are not made for specific tents, but come in a wide range of sizes to suit many popular tents. They’re also commonly used for awning floors, under kids’ pools, as windbreaks and sails, and more. C-Gear’s L-Shaped Multimat is both reversible and rotatable, particularly ideal for use under a 270 or 180 4WD awning.

The Oztrail Ultramesh provides many of the same benefits as the purpose-made footprints, but at a lower price. As for the C-Gear Multimat – heck, they can be used as helipads!

A mesh tarp is probably the most versatile option for a groundsheet. Image: Coleman Australia

Made from a heavier-duty shade cloth material, mesh groundsheets allow moisture, dirt, and debris to fall through. Image: Paul Goodsell

Solid Style

Solid styles aren’t made to fit, but also come in a range of sizes to suit. These aren’t as popular as mesh due to restrictions now placed upon them in caravan and camping parks.

The pros of the solid style groundsheets include that they offer more protection, compared to mesh. They’re also lower in cost, and may provide insulation against the cold ground.

While being a little easier to clean and providing a solid defense, solid groundsheets don’t allow for grass to breathe, can increase the chance of condensation and, worse still, will collect water underneath your tent floor when it rains (as opposed allowing it to fall through). The latter is especially true if you select one that is too large.

At Snowys, the most common style of solid groundsheet available is the humble and multi-purposeful tarp. Nothing is more versatile than a quality tarp (or ‘tarpaulin’). You can use one to waterproof the gear in your trailer or roof rack, then throw it under the tent while you camp. Tarps are available in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses.

Solid heavy duty tarps are more hardwearing and offer more protection. Image: Ben Trewren

DIY Groundsheets

The last option for a groundsheet is to get a little creative with items you may already have!

You might have some extra shade cloth, building materials such as Tyvek or plastic, Sisalation (used for insulation), disposed-of curtains, or old pool covers. There are a few possibilities here for you to recycle what you already own. Hikers could consider using items such as an emergency blanket from their first aid kit too.

There are a few possibilities in recycling what you already own. Image: Coleman

A great option is to re-purpose what you already have as a groundsheet. Image: Ben Trewren

Measuring Up for a Groundsheet

A question we get asked a lot here at Snowys is, ‘will this groundsheet fit my tent?’

So, here’s how we figure out whether a groundsheet will work:

1. What Area do You Want to Cover?

You need to first think about what space you want to cover with a groundsheet. The base of the swag or tent is a given, but would you like some protection throughout the awning area(s), or beyond the perimeter of the tent itself?

2. Check Your Tent’s Dimensions

Once you’ve decided on the area you want to cover, look at the external dimensions of your tent. We list these in the ‘specifications’ column on each of our products pages, as well as in the tent floorplan (usually the last image). This will give you an idea of measurements for the area size you want to cover.

Once you’ve seen the sizes available, determine whether you’ll be able to acquire the coverage you’re after with one groundsheet or if you’ll need two or more together.

3. Making It Fit

It’s unlikely you’ll get the perfect fit. You could opt for a slightly smaller size that doesn’t give complete coverage – but while this makes it easy initially, in the long run it leaves your tent exposed to damage.

Alternatively, you could choose a slightly larger size to provide complete coverage. However, you’ll likely need to make some alterations.

You may need to use more than one tarp side by side to achieve a good fit for your shelter. Image: Ben Trewren

Can I Alter my Groundsheet?

We recommend against altering the size of the groundsheet. You’ll risk cutting it crooked, lose valuable coverage for other uses, and remove the reinforced edging (which will cause fraying).

Rather, we’d encourage you to fold the excess underneath the tent, or allow the excess tarp to exceed your tent and peg through the groundsheet.

Pegging through the groundsheet is a common alteration – but to ensure you get it right, here are our tips:

Consider the position of your tent, make the hole, and then reinforce it to prevent fraying. Image: Ben Trewren

How to Properly Peg Through a Groundsheet:

We recommend laying your groundsheet out, then placing your tent on top of the groundsheet as desired.

From there, look to peg out the tent as you normally would – but on this occasion, penetrating through the groundsheet.
Take your time to ensure you only need one attempt at each peg, and only peg what is required.
Important: you may need to reinforce each hole with tape or brass eyelets to stop it from fraying or continuing to rip. You can do this by using a heavy-duty tape, an adhesive glue, or stitching strong thread around each hole.
It’s also worth noting on your groundsheet where the front/rear is, so that your tent and holes align next time.

Ben and Lauren discuss groundsheets in Episode 69 of the Snowys Camping Show:

If you have any further questions about protecting your tent, fire away in the comments!

The post Guide to Choosing the Right Size Groundsheet appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ep113 – Our Pitch on Picking a Tent

Ben and Lauren — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 23:39:00 +0000

Listen to the full episode here:

They’re your bedrooms in a bag. Your portable fortresses. Your on-the-road abodes.

They’re tents.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren go back to basics, detailing the main considerations when choosing a tent. From size, space, and weight, to ‘future-proofing’, vestibules, and product reviews – tune in for the most beneficial 45 minutes of tent-talk to date!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren go back to basics, detailing the main considerations when choosing a tent. Image: BlackWolf

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

02:23 – Choosing a Tent

05:18 – Basic Considerations

05:52 – Environmental Conditions

07:02 – Size and Space

11:19 – ‘Future-Proofing’ and Accessories

15:29 – Pack Size and Weight

20:25 – Pitching

27:04 – Connectivity

30:40 – Additional Features: Walls, Awnings, and Vestibules

32:35 – Waterhead Rating

35:32 – Windows

36:48 – Internal Storage

38:41 – Weather-Protected Ventilation

39:31 – Making the Final Decision

42:05 – Product Reviews

43:58 – Online Camping Groups

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

Dome tents

Inflatable / air tents

Coleman Instant Up Northstar tents

Coleman Bedrock 2P Hiking Tent

Blogs:

‘What Are Waterhead Ratings on Tents?’ – By Ben Collaton

Podcasts:

Ep10 – Camping with Teenagers